Modern air conditioners are becoming more quiet, making anyone forget about them even if they run for most of the day. When something’s wrong though, they’d surely let you know.

While many cooling units naturally hum, these unusual noises suggest something out of the ordinary is happening :

1. Banging

Any air conditioning repair expert would attest that banging is indicative of a loose or broken component. The racket may also suggest a faulty compressor. Either way, be sure to let a qualified technician know immediately and don’t use your unit in the meantime.

2. Popping

Sudden and little pops can make your heart jump, but they’re not as scary as you’d think. In most cases, it’s just the sound ducts make when they expand or contract. This a common reaction of metal ductwork to temperature changes. If you’ve had your ducts for a long time and only heard about it recently, call in a professional to determine its cause.

3. Clicking

Some air conditioners click at the start, but ongoing clicking can indicate an electrical issue. All things electricity are hazardous by nature, so don’t take it lightly.

4. Hissing

Ducts hiss when there’s air leakage, particularly when the sound is coming from the walls. A light hissing noise isn’t pressing enough to hit the panic button, but realize it’s an energy drain until sealed.

5. Scraping

Loose, moving parts can rub against the inside of your air conditioner. Deal with it urgently to trace where the noise originates and fix the affected component while the problem is isolated.

6. Rattling

The condenser unit outside can rattle because of trapped debris. Switch your HVAC system off until a technician finds what’s wiggling around inside the outdoor equipment to protect intact components from damage.

7. Whistling

Drop whatever you’re doing upon hearing high-pitched whistling. In most cases, it’s the sound of refrigerant leakage, which is bad for the health of your HVAC system and your family.

Schedule an Emergency Reno Air Conditioning Repair

Contact Sierra Air to set up an air conditioner repair the minute your AC produces strange noises. Contact us today and tell us about what you hear.

When comparing air conditioners, look for energy ratings to determine which ones are efficient enough. The air conditioners should also comply with the federal government’s standards. The EnergyGuide label–a yellow sticker attached to the unit, contains these pieces of information.

In the HVAC world, the most common air conditioner energy ratings you encounter are Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). What’s the difference? Let’s explore what each rating means:

SEER

SEER measures the production of a central AC over a cooling period divided by the electricity used. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient a system is going to be.

It paints a good picture for energy efficiency but sometimes it can be misleading. Critics argue that it only applies to a specific set of parameters, which covers a pre-set and limited temperature range. For instance, this rating assumes that your area’s average summer temperature is around 83°F. If you live somewhere warmer, this ratio wouldn’t be reliable. In other words, it might not help you pick the right product.

Another suggestion would be to look for an air conditioner that bears the ENERGY STAR® logo. This symbol means that the unit is friendlier to the environment (because of its perceived better energy efficiency) than standard products.

EER

EER is practically the same as SEER; the only difference is it does not consider seasonal temperature changes. But, just like SEER, it’s calculated with constant testing parameters. The accuracy of EER can be calculated under the condition of a 95°F outside temperature and 80°F inside temperature as well as 50% humidity level.

Go Beyond the Ratings; Turn to an Expert in Air Conditioning in Reno

Sierra Air can help you consider every important factor in order to determine the most suitable air conditioning unit for your home. Contact us today and complete this form to discuss your HVAC replacement project.

Whether you’re considering becoming a residential AC repair technician or simply looking to perform basic troubleshooting on your own home’s air conditioning unit, you will need a good set of tools to begin with. Of course, don’t go out buying all the tools you see on the store, right away. Knowing what you intend to use is an essential part of preparing tools. In this quick guide, we’ll go over a few standard tools you’ll find in just about any professional tool bag.

The Basics

You don’t have to be a residential AC repair professional to know that having a few tools at home is a good investment for emergencies. The basic tools include an adequate set of differently-sized screwdrivers and nut drivers, wrenches, pliers, preferably channel lock pliers, a tape measure, a level, and a utility knife. These are all standard tools that will benefit you, not only for HVAC purposes but for general all-around handiness around the house.

HVAC Professionals

Many heating and residential air conditioning service technicians will expect you to have at least a few good tools in your belt before even considering you as a contractor. These tools are mostly used by HVAC technicians, and we do not recommend it to everyone. Basic tools for HVAC technicians must include left and right-handed snips, tinner’s hammer, hand seamers, crimpers, notchers, and a snap-lock punch.

You’ll also find that having an offset duct stretcher is quite handy from time to time, especially if you expect to work with ductwork. Hand folding tools for handling metal ducts are also useful in this regard.

Recommendations

As always, if you suspect a serious issue with your air conditioning system, it’s always best to call in a professional instead of attempting the repair by yourself. This is why we wouldn’t recommend investing in HVAC-specialized tools unless you’re interested in becoming a contractor as well.

We Have All the Right Tools!

Contact Sierra Air, Inc. today for all of your residential AC repair needs, and get a free estimate! Services are available in Reno and all nearby areas.

Placing the HVAC units in the attic is an alternative way to install heating and air conditioning, and for some homes, this setup works well. If you are considering installing your new or replacement HVAC units this way, there are some things you should know before committing to it.

1. Quality Ductwork Is Important – Ducts are more exposed to potential damage when installed in the attic, so investing in quality ductwork and proper installation is extremely important. The ductwork will be installed in an uninsulated area – practically exposed to outdoor conditions – which means it is entirely possible for leaks to develop due to expansion and contraction from exterior temperatures.
2. It Can Save a Lot of Space – Unless you’re planning on using the attic as an extension of your living space, the attic will just be so much unused space, perfect for storing ductwork. If you’re planning on buying a split air conditioning system, the attic is the place to store the compressor in, helping you save on indoor space.
3. It May Need Some Looking After – Attic HVAC units are not as readily visible, so you’re less likely to notice if yours does develop problems. This means you will have to keep an eye on it through regular inspections, and by making sure you don’t miss your scheduled maintenance. If you already have an existing HVAC unit, have it thoroughly inspected by an HVAC professional. Often the ductwork may look good upon visual inspection, but even the tiniest holes and cracks can expand over time, which may be detrimental to your home’s overall energy efficiency and impact your monthly energy costs.
4. Installation Costs Less – Many homeowners choose attic HVAC units because installation costs less, particularly in the placement of the ductwork. This gives you more latitude in choosing the right contractor. As mentioned earlier, quality ductwork and workmanship is essential to an efficient and long-lasting attic HVAC system.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not an attic HVAC system is right for your home, it helps to have an expert’s opinion. Our team at Sierra Air, Inc. can inspect your existing HVAC system and your attic, and determine what is the right system for you. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We have locations in Reno, NV and Winnemucca, NV.

The new year is upon us and with the start of a new year, it’s a great time to think about making the most of your living space—and that starts with keeping it clean! Fortunately, we’ve got a helpful guide that will make your life a little easier while doing so.

Your 2018 Home Cleaning Guide

Want to keep a cleaner house in 2018? Keep your home effortlessly clean with this handy printable sheet that will help direct you through the cleaning process all year long.

Don’t Forget Your Ductwork!

Cleaning doesn’t stop at just the places you can see. There’s likely dirt lurking in your home’s ductwork as well. Dust, pollen, animal dander and other pollutants are drawn into your ducts each time your HVAC system runs and can build up over time, causing a big problem for the cleanliness of your home’s indoor air. Call us today to learn more about how duct cleaning can help you!

If you’re concerned about the quality of your home’s indoor air, then you may want to consider adding an air purifier to your home. There are a variety of different air purifiers on the market today, but essentially they all accomplish one very similar task: to clean and purify your air. Depending on which model you buy, your mileage may vary, but all air purifiers can add some benefit to your home’s indoor air.

Why You Should Buy an Air Purifier

Are you on the fence about buying an air purifier? An air purifier can elevate your indoor air quality to a level you didn’t think could be real.

Need an Air Purifier in South Lake Tahoe?

If you meet any of the criteria above, or are interested in improving your home’s indoor air quality, then an air purifier might be right for you. To find out what types of air purifiers Sierra Air offers for your home in the South Lake Tahoe Area, give us a call or check out our Air Cleaner product page for more information. We’re here to help you achieve the cleanest air possible at home! Call us today: (888) 686-4809

If you’re reading this article, there is a good chance you’re interested in energy savings for cooling your home. It’s smart to have an energy savings plan to help you decide what you need to do to reduce excess energy costs while keeping your home comfortable.

Why Not Just Crank Down Your A/C?

Although this is a very fast and efficient way to quickly cool down your home, is not the most energy efficient, nor is it the best choice for the health of your system.  Running an air conditioner at a very low temperature will make your energy bills skyrocket, and it’s not the only way to keep you feeling super cool while chilling out at home.

According to energy experts, cooling bills account for approximately 15% of total energy bills in most households. During warm months, this can jump up to 60 – 70%! That’s a significant amount considering how much electrically run gadgets and appliances we Americans use on a daily basis.

Even though using an air conditioner is a simple and practical way of keeping cool when the weather warms up, it can be enhanced by adding a fan or two to your home. Or, if you have ceiling fans installed, you can truly reduce your energy use by flipping these on while your A/C is running.

How Do Fans Help?

The energy it takes to power a fan is significantly less than what it takes to cool an entire house with an air conditioner. Therefore, it’s smart to raise the temperature setting on your thermostat a few degrees while using fans simultaneously to help cool you down. The way a fan works is that it actually forces hot air down and away from persons sitting near it, causing evaporation from the skin, which can make you feel a heck of a lot cooler. In comparison to running an A/C, using a ceiling or box fan accounts for only 1 to 2% of energy use, making this an efficient way to cool your home.

Ceiling fans or portable fans can reduce the overall need to have your A/C running full blast during the hottest days of the year. Using a ceiling fan along with an energy efficient cooling system can be an extremely efficient way to keep you and your family comfortable during the summer months. By using a ceiling or box fan, you can effectively raise your thermostat’s setting up to 10 degrees without compromising the comfort of your home! Just think of all the energy savings.

If you don’t have ceiling fans installed in your home, consider picking up a small portable fan or two. These will do the trick just as well as a ceiling fan for a fraction of the cost. You can oftentimes find inexpensive fans at drugstores or department stores, and adding these to your home will help keep you cool and your energy costs low!

For more informative home related articles, ac repair, and more. be sure to bookmark our blog and check back often for new updates.

Here Are Some Signs Your A/C Is Not Working Properly?

The temperatures are rising outside with the full and true onset of summer, and that means your comfort indoors is experiencing serious limbo. When you’re cozy on the couch all day, catching up on Netflix, a warm 80 degrees may seem just perfect. After you’ve played some sports in the backyard or return from a long sunbathing session with friends, anything above 65 may seem unbearable.

Yet while the air conditioning thermostat is bouncing back and forth with your whims, your electricity bill is going up. Considering how energy costs already rise thanks to the hot months, that’s a punch to your bank account your budget won’t tolerate.

So when asking how to survive the summer and keep your electricity bill at least reasonable – the real question is, “What temperature should my air conditioner be set at?”

Setting Thermostat in Summer – The Short Answer

According to our Reno experts, Americans prefer their home be kept at a cozy yet breezy 70-75 degrees in the day. This is cool enough to offer instant relief when you return home from the blazing sun, yet is easy to adapt to when spending a day indoors. Whether you’re from the deep balmy south or the more alpine north, this middle ground is enjoyable for all.

However, there are some deciding factors involved. Keeping your home at 73 is ideal, but that doesn’t mean you should set your thermostat to that temperature. On the contrary, if you live in warmer climates, maintaining that level with an AC unit can make your energy consumption skyrocket. Every degree higher you set your thermostat is 3% to 5% you’re saving on your monthly bill.

Alternative Ways to Improve Home Comfort

Start by setting your AC thermostat to 80-85. Don’t panic – we know that sounds unbearable. Luckily your home won’t ever reach that uncomfortable level of heat.

Instead, this setting will work as an emergency safeguard for when the temperatures climb out of control unexpectedly. Once things get as warm as 80, you’ll want the AC to kick in and save you fast. Otherwise, these two cheap hacks will keep your home that lovely 70-75 without the high electricity consumption.

Swamp Coolers (or E-Vap Coolers)

These handy little machines come in a variety of sizes, able to fit comfortably in your home or be attached from the outside to peek in your window if you require a larger one. These operate by being filled with water, which it then blows warm air through. The air is cooled by the water and comes out ice cold. Since it’s relying mostly on natural cooling methods, swamp coolers require less electricity – while still providing the same benefits. Just beware, though; when summer really heats up and the air is scorching, the water can’t cool it fast enough and they’re not an effective solution. That’s where your AC unit becomes a back-up.

Hanging Wet Towels and Fans

Dryers naturally pump heat into the air, no matter how high quality yours is, and this makes it wise to try air-drying your clothing. While you’re at it, however, use it to improve the conditions as well as maintain them. Hang up your wet towels (since these retain the most water) and set up a few fans in the area. This will work much like the swamp cooler, blowing cold air into the room to cut down on energy costs, while also helping you do laundry.

For more home comfort tips, follow Sierra Air on Facebook and Twitter. Feel free to comment with any questions you may have or provide your own home comfort hacks.

If you’re a new homeowner, or have yet to have professional duct cleaning in your home, there is no telling what could be hiding in your floors and ceilings. Not even new builds are immune to fostering out of place and even unhealthy items and pests within their ductwork.

So what are some of the worst things that have been found in air ducts? Just think about all of the times you’ve accidently dropped something down a vent or register. That’s not great, but pretty mild. Now think about kids and all of the different things they find and like to make disappear through the magical little gate on the wall. Getting warmer. Now imagine the construction worker helping to build your home and him not wanting to walk all the way to the dumpster to throw away his half-eaten lunch. Now you’re starting to see your vents in a different light. Don’t let these 5 ductwork horror stories happen in your home by routinely cleaning your ducts.

1. Human Waste

There have been multiple occasions of Reno duct cleaners finding waste inside of ductwork. While this is expected of rodents, believe it or not, human waste has been found in ducts. Whether it be a toddler’s mistake or, sadly enough, an adult at a house party gone wrong, this is definitely not something you want in your airways.

2. Old Food

From half-eaten burgers to just about anything a kid can fit through the slats of a vent, duct cleaners in Reno have seen it all. Not only can these food items become smelly and moldy, but they will attract bugs, pests and other critters that you don’t want in your home. Things like rats and mice can be hard to get rid of once they’re in and generate waste of their own as well as…

3. Dead Animals

Certain animals have a short lifespan. One that start and end without your knowledge if you elect not to clean your ducts regularly. What this means is that not only can your ducts become filled with animal waste, but dead animals that can, again attract more scavengers, or simply rot within your ducts until they are found.

4. Drugs

Most homebuyers don’t have the fortune of knowing the owners of the home in which they are purchasing. As the drug epidemic continues to spread across our country and prescription pain medications guide more and more upstanding citizens into a life of chemical dependency, you never know where you’ll find illegal drugs. Hiding this contraband in the ductwork of their home can be an easy way to make these drugs disappear for a homeowner or their unruly child.

What we don’t know can hurt us, or at least our indoor air quality. Don’t ignore the odd smell coming from your vents and don’t assume the well-to-do couple you purchased your home from kept their ducts spotless. For your peace of mind and for the health of your family, contact Sierra Air, Inc to have a technician come out to provide comprehensive duct cleaning services.