Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Pittsburgh’

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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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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Why Consider Installing a Heat Pump?

Tuesday, June 4th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new cooling system, there is an unprecedented variety of system types and brands. The selection process is critical to the future of your comfort, however, and should not be taken lightly. You should consider not only the energy efficiency of your new system, but also its performance. Many of today’s models boast high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, which is a good barometer for how your system will perform in the future. The higher the SEER rating, the better the efficiency. And this is precisely why the heat pump makes such a good cooling option. But that’s not the only reason. Let’s take a look at some reasons why you should consider installing a heat pump in your Pittsburgh, PA home. For more info, call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning today!

  • Year-round comfort: Part of the attraction of heat pumps is that they offer both cooling and heating. They operate in the same way as an air conditioner does during the summer. They remove the warm indoor air and replace it with cool air by means of a circulating refrigerant. During the cooler months, they use the thermal energy of the outdoor air to warm the indoors. This works because of a component called the reversing valve, which allows the refrigerant cycle to reverse direction. If it gets too cold for your heat pump to heat your house, you can supplement it with another system, such as a furnace.
  • Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency is a critical factor if you’re considering installing a new system. Whether you’re looking to replace your existing AC or need a comprehensive comfort system for a new home, you need to make sure that you’re getting the most for your dollar. Heat pumps are widely known for the small amount of electricity they consume during operation.
  • Geothermal: The heat pumps we have been referring to above are known as air-source heat pumps, but there is an alternative type that is quickly gaining popularity. Geothermal technology uses a ground-source heat pump to offer heating and cooling throughout your home. This tends to be far more energy efficient than other conventional systems. Check with your local technician to see if geothermal is right for your property.

If you need a heat pump, call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning today!

 

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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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Pittsburgh Air Conditioning Tip: Why Hire a NATE-Certified Professional

Monday, April 29th, 2013

As the summer approaches in Pittsburgh, you may be thinking about upgrading your AC, or perhaps simply calling for some minor repairs or maintenance. It’s important that you hire a NATE-certified professional for any work done on your home cooling system. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. Founded in 1997, and headquartered in Arlington, VA, NATE is the largest and most widely recognized certification organization for the HVAC industry, including air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance. NATE certification gives you confidence that the work to be done on your home is of superior quality, and that your tech has the latest skills and knowledge. For more information, or to schedule Pittsburgh air conditioning services, call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Let’s take a look at why you should hire a NATE-certified professional:

  • Training: NATE-certified technicians have to pass a rigorous examination, which, in combination with conscientious on-the-job training and practical application, gives them the fundamentals of safety, tools, construction, science, mathematics, measurements, and basic electrics. The AC specialization exam gives the NATE-certified tech a comprehensive test about AC plumbing (brazing, flare fittings, soldering), ductwork, electrical systems, leak detection, and measuring airflow, among other subjects.
  • Confidence: The NATE logo is a standard of excellence and consumer confidence. It helps you sift through the many AC contractors available in your area so that you can receive the best possible AC service for your home. This gives you peace of mind, so that you know your home is in good hands.
  • Up-to-date know-how: A standard NATE certification lasts 5 years. One of the reasons why NATE certification is highly prized is due to its recertification policy, which ensures that NATE AC techs are up to date on the latest technology and industry equipment. This is important. It allows you to take advantage of the latest developments in energy efficiency and cooling performance so that you can make an informed decision.

Still unconvinced? Talk to a NATE-certified professional at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for excellent Pittsburgh air conditioning services! 

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Pittsburgh Air Conditioning Question: When Is It Time to Replace My AC?

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

There are numerous factors affecting the decision to replace your air conditioning system. You may be impelled by necessity: your old AC may have simply stopped working one day, and no amount of tinkering would make it turn on. Whatever your reason for considering replacement, you need to receive a professional diagnosis in order to evaluate your unique situation appropriately. That said, there are some common signs that may indicate you need to replace your air conditioner, rather than to continue repairing it. We’d like to look at a few such reasons. For more information about our Pittsburgh air conditioning replacement services, contact a professional at Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

  • Frequent repairs: This is the most common reason to pursue replacement. When your AC needs professional repair on a regular basis, then it may be time to consider upgrading to a new model. We rely on our air conditioners throughout the hot and humid summer, and a major breakdown in the middle of the summer may be an irritating disruption you want to avoid. Pre-emptively replacing your unit puts you in control of your home comfort.
  • Old AC: If your AC has seen better days, it’s probably a good time to upgrade. Over time, whether due to neglect or general wear and tear, your AC components will start to break down. Your old AC may take a long time to cool your home, or it may fail to cool your home at all. These are all issues when you need reliable and effective cooling during the hot months.
  • Energy efficiency: Today’s air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient than those of even just 10 years ago. This is an important factor when considering whether to repair or replace. Consult with your local professional to see how much you might save in the long-term by upgrading to a new central air system, or by taking advantage of geothermal technology.

When you need air conditioning replacement service in Pittsburgh, call the experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

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Signs of Wear and Tear on your Pittsburgh Air Conditioning System

Monday, April 15th, 2013

As we slowly make our way towards the heat and humidity of another cooling season, homeowners in the Pittsburgh area are starting up their air conditioners to make sure that they are ready when those hot days hit. When you take a look at your own AC this spring, keep an eye and an ear out for signs of wear and tear. If your system is over 10 years old, or seems to require frequent repairs, then it may be a sign your air conditioning system is in need of professional maintenance or repair. Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for details.

  • AC short-cycles:  If your AC turns on and off frequently, then it is not completing entire cycles of circulating refrigerant through the coils and the compressor. This may lead to inadequate cooling, or it may lead to uneven cooling.  It’s a highly inefficient way for your AC to operate, and tends only to increase the general wear and tear on your system.
  • Inadequate cooling: If your AC no longer cools as it did last year, or if the air emerging from the ducts does not seem to match your desired temperature, there could be a range of problems. First, make sure your thermostat is properly calling for cooling, and also check the air filter in the air handler to make sure it’s not clogged or excessively dirty. If neither of those aspects are the problem, then it may be a result of a low level of refrigerant in your AC or an airflow problem. 
  • Strange or unusual noise: Listen to your AC. If you hear a hissing, banging, buzzing, grinding, or any sound that seems unusual, then take heed. For instance, buzzing can often indicate a serious electrical problem, while grinding can indicate dry bearings in your blower motor.

These are just a few of the signs of wear and tear on your air conditioning system. Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional AC repair and maintenance in the Pittsburgh area. 

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