Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

What’s More Beneficial for My Home: Air Conditioning Repair or Replacement?

Monday, September 9th, 2013

Any time your air conditioning unit requires repairs, it raises the question of whether you’d be better off with wholesale replacement. Air conditioning repair can address certain lingering issues, and a regular maintenance program can extend the life of your unit, but eventually, full-bore replacement may be in order. But when exactly?

The decision to repair or replace ultimately rests with individual circumstances. If the repairs are sufficiently minor and the air conditioning unit looks to keep running for the foreseeable future, it’s probably best to conduct the repair and leave the unit in place. If repairs grow too frequent or cost too much, however, then it may make more sense to install a newer and more efficient unit. It all comes down to money: how much you’re spending on repairs and upkeep versus how much the initial cost of a new unit might be.

A general rule of thumb is to evaluate your AC’s performance after ten years to see if you would benefit from a new unit. Proper maintenance can keep your AC system running for longer than that, but if you’ve passed that 10-year mark and you’re investing in significant repairs, you may want to think about a new unit. Another sure sign is the size of your electric bills every month. If your bills seem inordinately large in the summer months when you run your air conditioner – even after you’ve paid a bill to have it repairs – then the benefits of replacement may outweigh the initial cost.

A good litmus test for efficiency is the unit’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. If you’re going to replace your air conditioner, you should look for a unit with a higher SEER rating than your old one. Units with the EnergyStar sticker have a SEER rating of at least 14.

Whether you need to install a new unit or simply need to repair your old one, it pays to consult with an expert. The professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling handle air conditioning repairs and installation throughout the Pittsburgh area. Call us today and let us show you what we can do for you!

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How Programmable Thermostats Work With Your AC

Monday, July 29th, 2013

The thermostats in your home often go unnoticed because of how small they are. However, they are actually one of the most powerful components of your air conditioning system. We wanted to assemble a short explanation of why thermostats are so important and how programmable thermostats interact with your air conditioning system.

Most homeowners are familiar with digital thermostats—which are essentially the digital version of the old, round manual thermostats. But programmable thermostats offer homeowners a much higher level of control over their home’s air conditioning system . Basically, these thermostats will automatically adjust the temperature of your home during different parts of the day, such making your home warmer during times it is usually empty, which allow you to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Programmable thermostats come in several different types and homeowners should look over each one to determine which one is best for them. If you have a consistent schedule where you work 5 days a week and then stay at home on the weekends, then a 5-2 or a 5-1-1 thermostat might be best for you. These allow you to set one schedule for the work week and then another schedule for the weekend. However, if you have a schedule that changes often, you may want to think about a 7 day programmable thermostat. This allows you to set a different schedule for each day of the week.

Programmable thermostats come with a variety of different functions depending on the model and brand that you get. Some can access the internet and others have a remote control which allows you to adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere in the house.

When you get a new programmable thermostat, many of them will start with a comprehensive on-screen interview that will allow the thermostat to determine your schedule and your energy usage goals. This kind of personalization is one of the main reasons why homeowners decide to get a programmable thermostat.

If you need help with any services for your air conditioning in Pittsburgh, just call the friendly experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling.

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Pittsburgh, PA Air Conditioning FAQ: Why Your System Short Cycles

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

Air conditioning systems are designed to turn on when the temperature rises to a certain level, and then turn off again after the temperature drops. Normally, an air conditioning unit will run for at least 10 minutes before turning itself off. In some cases, however, your air conditioner may “short cycle,” turning on and off more frequently than it should. If your system short cycles, you need to address the issue lest it result in higher electric bills or additional damage to your unit. A number of factors may cause short-cycling, most of which can be diagnosed and fixed by a trained technician.

  • Size: If your air conditioning system is too large for the space it needs to heat, it may short cycle very quickly. The best way to avoid this problem is to have a load calculation performed on your home to determine exactly what capacity air conditioning system that you need.
  • Refrigerant leak: Air conditioning systems use refrigerant to absorb the heat in your home and carry it outside. The refrigerant is supposed to be in a completely self-contained system; and short cycling may mean that that a leak has sprung up somewhere.
  • Icing: The evaporator coil may develop ice on its surface, which can cause your AC to turn off and on very quickly until the ice melts. Icing on the coils suggests a larger problem with the system, and again requires the attention of a trained expert.
  • Control board: Though unlikely, a control board or control switch might be damaged or broken, which is causing short cycling. In such an event, the control board will probably need to be replaced.

For over 80 years, Boehmer Heating & Cooling has handled air conditioning problems in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Our knowledgeable staff is fully certified and dedicated to customer satisfaction. If your system is short cycling and you need to pinpoint the cause, give us a call to set up an appointment immediately. We’ll root out the source of the problem and make sure it gets fixed the first time every time.

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Pittsburgh Air Conditoining Question: How Can I Keep My AC Working Dependably?

Monday, July 8th, 2013

During the summer you likely rely on your air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable. But like any other piece of equipment your air conditioning system will eventually break down on you. So how can homeowners make sure that their AC operates as consistently as possible? Here at Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company, we offer fast and reliable Pittsburgh, PA air conditioning services. We wanted to put together a quick list of some of the ways that our customers can keep their AC systems working well.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Probably the best way for you to increase the consistency of your air conditioner’s performance is to get it regularly maintained and inspected by a professional. As your air conditioning system operates it will develop small problems that will eventually turn into full-blown repairs and cause a disruption in its performance. However, if you get your air conditioning system regularly inspected your AC technician will be able to find those types of small issues and fix them before they turn into larger, more costly repairs. In addition to increasing the dependability of your air conditioner, regular maintenance could also increase efficiency and extend the life of your air conditioner.

Change the Air Filter

Probably the most common cause of  air conditioning repair that we see is caused by a clogged air filter. Your AC system has an air filter in it that keeps dust, dirt and insects from getting sucked into the mechanical parts of your equipment. But if that air filter isn’t changed regularly it can get clogged and restrict the flow of air into your system. Not only does this greatly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner, but it can also case more repairs because of the added strain on the system.

If your air conditioning system is breaking down a lot or if it has started to operate inefficiently, call the Pittsburgh, PA air conditioning repair and maintenance professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling today.

 

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Improve Your Air Conditioning in Baldwin, PA with These Upgrades

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

During the hottest days of the year, a reliable air conditioning system can be a great comfort. With energy costs being as high as they are, though, many homeowners are dissuaded from keeping their homes as cool and comfortable as they’d really like to. With a few easy upgrades to your air conditioning system, you can enjoy greater comfort with greater efficiency. Consider upgrading your air conditioning in Baldwin, PA with these great options from the air conditioning pros at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. With the help of our skilled technicians you can get the outstanding performance that you both desire and deserve from your air conditioning system.

One of the most effective ways to upgrade your air conditioning system in order to get a more efficient, effective performance is to upgrade your thermostat. This is a very simple upgrade, but the positive impact it can have on the operation of your AC is quite substantial. The thermostat on your wall functions as the control system of your entire air conditioning system. This is by far the component that you have the most direct interaction with. By upgrading your manual or basic digital thermostat to a programmable model you can create personalized cooling programs that work around your schedule. Don’t leave your AC running all day just to come home to a comfortable environment: tell your thermostat when you’ll be home, and enjoy a cool, comfortable house at the end of a long workday.

A zone control system installation is another great way to improve your air conditioning in Baldwin, PA. By using a system of dampers in your ductwork, a control panel and multiple thermostats, you can take charge of the way that energy is used when cooling your home more than ever before. Schedule your zone control system installation with us and cool only those rooms you want to, when you want to. Call now to learn more.

Do not put up with a subpar performance from your air conditioning system. Improve your AC with these great air conditioning upgrades from Boehmer Heating & Cooling.

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Pittsburgh Air Conditioning Replacement Tip: Why Upgrade My Thermostat?

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

If you’re not yet ready for or don’t yet need a new system replacement, an air conditioning upgrade is a great way to breathe new life into your existing system without making any major modifications. One particularly effective upgrade is a new thermostat. Today’s thermostats are much different from their conventional predecessors. They are accurate, easy to read and adjust, and can significantly improve your AC. There are various makes and models on the market today, so it’s best to consult with a professional technician about any changes to your existing system so that you can take full advantage of the benefits of your thermostat upgrade.

In order to understand why upgrading might be right for you, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of a thermostat upgrade.

  • Better control: A digital, programmable, or even wifi-enabled device gives you better control over the temperature of your home. It allows you to fully customize a schedule of cooling that works around your schedule. By giving you more accurate temperature readings and better control over actualizing those temperatures, a thermostat upgrade can help you take control of your AC system.
  • Energy efficiency: One of the great benefits of a thermostat upgrade is that it leads to energy savings. There’s simply no better way to control your energy costs than by having your programmable thermostat turn off your AC when you’re not there and turn it on just before you walk in the door. Because your AC takes up such a major portion of your home energy budget during the cooling season, any improvements you can make help to alleviate the cost.

There are a number of different thermostats available for use in your home, and the technology keeps advancing. Whether you go with a simple digital, programmable, or wifi-enabled model, make sure it is able to integrate well with your existing AC. Call a Pittsburgh air conditioning replacement technician at Boehmer Heating & Cooling today to learn more about what you can do to improve your AC. 

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Why Schedule Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

Any piece of equipment that gets a lot of use will start to develop small problems and issues over time. Your air conditioning system is no exception. Call the Pittsburgh air conditioning maintenance professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling if you’re interested in setting up regular visits with our technicians. Getting regular maintenance of your AC system has huge potential benefits. Here is a quick list of some of them.

  • Reduced repair – One of the potential benefits to getting regular maintenance for your AC is that it could reduce the need for repair. The small problems that your air conditioning equipment develops over time will likely turn into larger repairs if ignored. When you have an expert technician regularly inspecting your equipment they will be able to find those issues and repair them before they get worse.
  • Extended equipment life – Another huge benefit to getting regular air conditioning maintenance is that it could allow your AC to last longer. We often get called to replace air conditioning systems whose condition completely deteriorated over time because of lack of maintenance.
  • Increased efficiency – The small issues that your air conditioning system develops over time can cause it to have to work harder to cool your home. This increases the strain on the equipment and can reduce the efficiency of your AC unit. During regular maintenance visits your technicians will look for those problems and repair them which could return some of the efficiency to the system.

For all your Pittsburgh air conditioning maintenance needs, make sure that you call Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience maintaining all different types and brands of air conditioning systems. 

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Basic Components of Your Air Conditioning System: An AC Tip from Pittsburgh

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

Your air conditioning system is made up of various components, including electrical, and mechanical systems. From the compressor, condenser, to the expansion valve and evaporator, each of these components circulates the most integral part of the cooling cycle, the refrigerant. This chemical has been designed especially for radical fluctuations of temperature that vary with differences in pressure.  In today’s post, we’d like to review some of the basic components that make up your AC. A little bit of knowledge about your cooling system can help you recognize when things aren’t working as they’re supposed to. Call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning today for comprehensive Pittsburgh air conditioning service.

  • Compressor: The compressor resides in the weatherized unit outside of your home and it is responsible for pressuring the refrigerant. It works by taking the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator and placing it under a significant amount of compression. When it emerges from the compression stage, the refrigerant is still in gaseous form but it is now highly pressurized and also very hot, much hotter than the outside temperature. This allows the heat in the refrigerant to easily transfer to the outside air.
  • Condenser: The condenser coils are responsible for taking this hot gaseous refrigerant and removing much of its heat. As the refrigerant circulates through the condenser coils, an exhaust fan pulls in the outside air, causing the refrigerant to rapidly cool and condense into a liquid, hence its name.
  • Expansion valve: Once the refrigerant has entered a liquid state, however, it is still too hot to cool your home. The expansion valve is a relatively compact device that controls the flow of refrigerant as it passes through, thus depressurizing it. The refrigerant is now very cold, and it is ready to cool your indoor air.
  • Evaporator: This set of coils resides in the air handler of your indoor unit. As the blower motor extracts warm indoor air from the interior of your home, it moves through the evaporator coils where this thermal energy is absorbed by the refrigerant as the air is cooled. This thermal exchange makes the refrigerant evaporate into a gas. And the cycle continues.

We hope this brief guide to the major components of your AC helps. Call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning for comprehensive Pittsburgh air conditioning services. 

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Pittsburgh AC Question: Is it Worth it to Repair Your Air Conditioning System?

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

Knowing the difference between repair and replacement can be tricky. One question we often get from customers who are tired of paying for constant repairs, or whose AC is old, concerns whether it’s still worth it to repair their Pittsburgh air conditioning system. It’s not an easy decision and it depends on numerous factors, all of which are unique to your home and situation, as well as your budget and your cooling needs. The first step involves calling your local AC professional for advice. A consummate analysis of the state of your system should precede any major decision-making. Considering the resources required for a system replacement, you need to make a good decision, one that you and your family will be happy with for the years to come. In this post, we’d like to give you a few pointers. Call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning for comprehensive air conditioning services, from installation and repair to system replacement.

  • Energy efficiency: You need to think about energy efficiency if you’re considering replacement. This is where performance and energy cost intersect. Knowing what the difference is between your old and new systems’ respective energy efficiency ratios can allow you to estimate how much you might save on your energy bill every month with a new system. This is particularly important if your system is more than ten years old. Today’s systems are much more energy efficient than older systems and this can work to your advantage.
  • Performance: The decision comes down to performance, and if you’re sick and tired of paying for repairs knowing that your old system barely keeps up with your cooling needs, then you should definitely consider replacement. Not only will you avoid constant service calls, but you will also ensure the future of your home comfort. By choosing a professional technician, you’ll also be able to find a new system that exactly matches the size of your home so that your new AC will easily outperform the older system.

If you’re thinking about replacement instead of repair, but don’t know where to start, call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your air conditioning needs in Pittsburgh. We can help you make the right decision for your home and budget.

 

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Air Conditioning Repair in Pittsburgh: Why is My Refrigerant Low?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

As we enter the cooling season, you need to make sure that your air conditioning system is ready for the heat and humidity of the summer. Even if you haven’t yet turned it on, then do so now. Take a listen, and see if your home reaches your desired temperature. One of the common root causes of inadequate cooling is low refrigerant, which needs to be of a certain “charge” at all times in order for the AC to function effectively and efficiently. In this post, we’d like to look at the reasons why your refrigerant may be low. For superior air conditioning repair in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

The refrigerant in your AC is chemically designed to undergo intense changes in temperature and pressure to facilitate the removal of heat from your home and to send cool air throughout your ducts. The compressor takes the low pressure gas from the evaporator coil and turns it into a high pressure, high temperature gas; so hot, in fact, that when this refrigerant circulates through the condenser coils, its heat dissipates into the outside air, no matter what the temperature is. The evaporator coil takes the now cool liquid refrigerant and cools the air, while the air handler sends the conditioned air back through the ductwork. If your system has too little refrigerant, then these processes will simply not be as effective, and may not work at all.

There are basically two reasons why your refrigerant is low:

  • Undercharged at installation: One of the reasons why professional installation is so important is that it very much matters what the “charge” of your refrigerant is during installation. Only a certified technician will know exactly how much refrigerant to put into your system.
  • Refrigerant leak: This is the most prevalent reason for low refrigerant. Some leaks are microscopic punctures that are hardly noticeable. Your tech has various equipment and techniques for refrigerant leak detection. Only a certified technician should ever handle refrigerant, so it is always best to call a professional if you think you have a leak.

If you’re concerned about the levels of refrigerant in your AC, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for air conditioning repair in Pittsburgh today! 

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