Common AC Issues in the Hot Tennessee Summer

Posted on: August 15th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

Warmer temperatures mean HVAC systems are working overtime, which may result in some common problems.

The summertime really heats up, especially here in the south! Humidity and high temps can send us all looking for indoor comfort. Dealing with AC issues in the heat of the summer can be a nightmare, so it’s important to know what to look for in order to spot problems early. Below, you will find a short list of common air conditioning issues that may occur as the summer rolls on.

Common Air Conditioner Issues:

1) Leaking Refrigerant

Your air conditioner desperately needs refrigerant to work properly. Once your AC system is installed, the refrigerant that comes with it should last for the lifetime of your unit. However, if a leak in the line occurs, you will rapidly notice changes in the performance of your air conditioner. The whole cycle breaks down without refrigerant to absorb heat from within your home and release it outside. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking fluid, call Action Air for help as soon as possible.

2) AC No Longer Cools Like it Did

If you are like us, being hot inside in the summer is not an option. That means you have likely been running your AC more often than usual. If your HVAC system is cooling your home, but is not blowing cool air as strongly as it did at the beginning of the summer, it might be time to check your air filter. A simple air flow issue could be the culprit and changing your filters may make all the difference! If you suspect something more serious is happening, set up a visit from one of our experienced technicians.

3) AC is Running but Does Not Feel Cool

If you can tell that your AC unit is running, but the air coming from the vent does not feel cool, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat. If the thermostat is set to your prefered temperature the next step will be to check if your condenser is obstructed. If neither of these are the culprit, you could be dealing with a faulty compressor or an incorrect amount of refrigerant. Contact an experienced professional for assistance if this is the case.

Air conditioning problems can be a real downer, but there is no reason to let them ruin your summer! If you are experiencing these or other issues and need help, contact us at Action Air today! Give us a call at 931-647-8525 or send us a general inquiry online. Remember, when you need action, call Action Air!

Sources:

Enlighten Me

Angie’s List

Western Sales & Service Inc.

My AC isn’t cooling like it used to – help!

Posted on: June 15th, 2016 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

When your air conditioning isn’t cooling at its usual rate, it can be frustrating.

As temperatures continue to rise, it is important that your AC do its job by adequately keeping you cool. We all know how hot Tennessee summers can get! If your air conditioning isn’t keeping your home or office as cool as it used to, there are a couple of things that might be going wrong. Below you will find a list of common AC issues and what you can do to check them.

A) Check For Airflow Problems Inside

AC that isn’t running as it should is likely the result of a simple disruption to airflow. The best place to check for this issue is the return. Can you remember the last time you changed your air filters? A clogged filter could be the culprit.

B) Check for Airflow Problems Outside

If all is well inside your home, turn your attention outdoors. Your unit should ideally have about two feet of space around it. Do your best to clear any debris (including tall grass and weeds) that may have accumulated around your HVAC system that may be keeping your unit from functioning properly.

C) Check Your Thermostat Settings

Many thermostats offer both an “auto” and an “on” setting. Depending on which you are used to, accidentally switching the thermostat to a different setting can make it seem as though your AC is not working correctly. The “auto” setting typically turns your blower off and on automatically based on the observed temperature of the room. “On” will allow your fan to run constantly. An “on” setting is typically reserved for spaces with special filtration systems installed as part of their HVAC system.

D) Consider Ductwork Issues

Airflow can also be disrupted by an issue with your ductwork. If your ductwork is bent, cracked, etc. it cannot properly deliver and distribute air into your home, thus keeping it cool. An inspection may be needed to determine any ductwork issues and resolve the problem you are experiencing with your HVAC.

These are just a few of the common reasons that your AC might not be working the way you are accustomed to. If you can’t find the issue, or think something more serious may be going on, contact us at our office in Clarksville, TN. We can set up an appointment to have an Action Air professional visit your home. They will be able to perform routine maintenance in order to keep your system running efficiently and also advise on other areas where your HVAC system may be having an issue. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:

Enlighten Me

Cool Today

How can my business become more energy efficient?

Posted on: May 26th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

With hot weather coming, saving on energy costs can be a challenge.

Name: ACTION AIR
Address: 868 Kraft Street, Clarksville, TN, 37040
Telephone: (931) 647-8525

Making a business energy efficient can present challenges that you wouldn’t experience in your home. Most businesses are located in much larger spaces than a typical home. Businesses also have to think about the comfort of a wide range of employees and clients or customers. Not to worry, Action Air has some great advice on keeping everyone comfortable, while reducing your energy use over the summer!

Routine Maintenance

Tune up your HVAC system on a regular basis. This will ensure maximum performance and add years to the life of your equipment.
Change Filters

Change your filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Treat your Windows

Consider using blinds, awnings, solar film on windows, and natural vegetation to manage heat and light. Let light and heat in during the winter and keep it out during the summer.
Keep Air Moving

Use fans to keep air moving and maintain a comfortable level of humidity.
Plug Leaks

Use weather stripping and caulking to seal any areas where air may be escaping. You will then be able to better manage your ventilation and keep the air that has been cooled (or heated) inside.
Temperature Control

During summer months, adjusting your thermostat up one degree typically can save 2-3% on cooling costs. Adjust thermostats higher when cooling and lower when heating unoccupied areas within a building (e.g. during weekends and non-working hours).
Prevent Thermostat Changes

Consider installing locking devices on thermostats to maintain ideal temperature settings.

If you would like more information, contact us at our office in Clarksville, TN. We can set up an appointment to have an Action Air professional visit your business. They will be able to perform routine maintenance in order to keep your system running efficiently and also advise on more areas for you to save energy. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:
SBA
Ambit Energy
SRP

How can I reduce pollen in my home?

Posted on: April 27th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

Improving your home’s air quality can improve your health.

Spring is in full bloom and avoiding allergies will be a persistent problem. With new plants blooming through the warm months of summer and into the fall, you never know when your allergies will hit. With that in mind we want to help you keep your indoor allergies to a minimum. With just a few easy tips, you can keep your family breathing free.

Regularly change the filters in your HVAC system
Maintain the humidity level in the house at around 50%. Dust and pollen are easily stirred in dry air.
Service your Air Conditioner on a regular basis
Keep your windows closed when pollen counts are highest: in the early morning hours, between 10 am and 3 pm, and in windy conditions.
Keep your lawn mowed to prevent grasses from blooming and spreading pollen.
Use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. They are very effective in removing pollen from the air indoors without contaminating the environment with mold.
Dry all your laundry indoors during the pollen season, it will accumulate on clothing that is outdoors
Avoid travel in the country; especially on dry, windy days or while crops are being harvested.
Pets bring in pollen on their fur. Brushing them thoroughly before they come in will keep them from bringing pollen inside.
Remove shoes before going inside.
Change clothes after being outside and wash or rinse your hair
Wet dust and vacuum every day using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of pollen residue on surfaces.

The more of these simple steps you take, the less pollen you will have to deal with. Once you have reduced the amount of pollen inside your house you will be able to live more comfortably. This healthier environment will allow you to breath easy and sleep better.

To schedule your regular HVAC maintenance appointment, contact the team at Action Air. We have friendly, trustworthy, HVAC technicians who are ready to help you keep a low pollen household. They will be able to advise you on air filters and help you identify areas where pollen can enter your home! Remember, when you need action, call Action Air!

Sources:
Aaaai.org
DIY Network
NC State University

What’s the Point of Regular HVAC Maintenance?

Posted on: March 21st, 2016 by tcg_admin 4 Comments

My system is running well, can I skip maintenance?

Although you can technically skip maintenance, it is not advisable! Imagine doing the same with your car. If you never have the oil changed or a tune-up until the check-engine light comes on, you can’t expect it to last more than a few of years. With that in mind, there is one very practical reason to schedule maintenance and that is saving money! There are two ways scheduling yearly maintenance will save you money: prevention and energy efficiency.

Prevention:

Regular check ups give your technician more chances to detect small problems and correct them, before they become major issues. Repairing a small refrigerant leak may not be a huge charge, but buying a new compressor when low refrigerant levels burn your current one out can cost a significant amount of money.
Energy Efficiency:

Maintenance service will ensure that your HVAC system is running at maximum efficiency by cleaning out your system and making sure that everything is in optimal condition. When your HVAC is running well, it uses less energy to cool and heat your house. Lower energy usage means lower bills and less environmental impact.

So what are some of the things we will do in a routine maintenance visit?

Check thermostat settings. – This should be operating at optimum efficiency.
Tighten all electrical connections. – Bad connections can reduce the life of major components.
Lubricate all moving parts. – Friction can slow motors and increase the amount of electricity used.
Inspect the condensate drain. – A clogged drain can cause water damage and affect indoor humidity.
Check system controls. – We check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
Clean air conditioning coils. – Dirty coils reduce the system’s cooling ability. This in turn makes the system run longer and wear down more quickly.
Check refrigerant level. – Improper refrigerant levels will make your system less efficient.
Inspect blower components. – Airflow problems can reduce efficiency by up to 15% in the winter.
Check all connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. – Any problems here can cause the equipment to operate less safely and less efficiently.

At Action Air we’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. We have certified service technicians, ready to provide you with high quality and knowledgeable maintenance on your unit. Visit our website or give us a call at (931) 647-8525 to set up your maintenance appointment today!

Sources:

Trane
Home Advisor
Energy Star

Cabin Fever Can Save You Energy

Posted on: February 29th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

As winter weather drags on, people tend to develop cabin fever.

Knowing that spring is approaching can get you down when you are stuck inside on a dreary winter day. Don’t let the crummy weather get you down! Action Air has some great ideas for projects to keep you busy until warmer days arrive!

1) Keep the heat inside your home:

There are some easy diy projects that you can do to help you keep the heat inside your house. Just a few simple but effective projects are…

Seal Air Leaks With Caulk – Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest energy and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weatherstrip all cracks and large openings to the outside.
Optimize Vents – Close off vents in rooms that are unused or that you don’t go into often. Unblock any vents that are obstructed by furniture. Close the door to rooms you won’t be using.
Switch the Direction of Your Fans – Instead of leaving your ceiling fan dormant during the winter months, you can switch the direction. When you switch from counterclockwise to clockwise, you start moving the hot air that rises back down into your room.

2) Plant an indoor garden:

It may be a while before your garden outside is thriving, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying fresh flowers and beautiful plants. There are indoor-friendly plants for all levels of gardeners, and even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can find a plant that will work for you. We especially love to pick plants that help purify the air inside your home and make your house a greener, happier place!

3) Build a fort:

Let’s be honest, a day at home is not the worst thing that could happen. We suggest gathering all of your pillows and blankets and getting to work. Once you build an epic fort, snuggle up, get a fire going and start a movie to have fun and stay warm! We can’t think of a better way to save energy than that!

If you want to learn more about keeping your house energy efficient you can visit our website, or call us for more information. We’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. When it comes to any of your air conditioning or heating needs the choice is simple. When you need action, call Action Air.

Air Filters Clean Household Air

Posted on: December 27th, 2015 by tcg_admin 2 Comments

Concerns about the effects of poor indoor-air quality have increased.

Poor indoor air quality can be a serious concern for families and individuals dealing with lung issues and serious allergies. There is good news, however; whole-house air-cleaning systems are becoming increasingly more popular and can be incorporated into almost any HVAC system.

In fact, filtering household air is most efficient when it is done through your home’s forced-air heating or central air-conditioning system. These filters are built into the return-air ductwork, trapping particles as air passes through.

There are 4 common types of filters available:

1) Flat Filters

If you have a forced-air furnace, you’ve already got a simple air filtration system. This is the fiberglass filter that comes as a standard piece of any HVAC system. This filter is rudimentary and needs to be changed often. These filters are designed to protect your furnace from large particles of dust, but they won’t block the microscopic particles that are most irritating to lung tissue.

2) Extended Media Filters

This is essentially a large stack of filters designed to filter out even smaller particles. They require professional installation because the large filter holder must be plumbed into the ductwork. This filter will need to be changed yearly, but it should remove a large amount of particles from the air.

3) Electronic Filters

These high-tech units, sometimes called electrostatic precipitators, are also incorporated into the ductwork. As air passes through, a high-voltage current puts an electrical charge on particles. At the other end of the unit, oppositely charged collector plates grab the particles like a magnet. Electronic filters work especially well on smoke particles too small to be trapped in media filters. These require a separate electronic wiring and must be installed professionally.

4) Ultraviolet Filters

Ultraviolet Filters are the best choice for those concerned primarily with germs. UV filters are built-in components that can be added to a home unit. The ultraviolet light kills airborne bacteria and viruses. This type of filter is what hospitals use in order to keep the environment clean and germ free.

When it comes to improving indoor air quality, whole house air purifiers are powerful tools that create a more comfortable and healthier environment for your whole home. For more information or to discuss which whole house air filtration system is right for your family, call Action Air. We’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:
Plenty Air
Allergy Buyers Club
This Old House

Saving Money with a Digital Thermostat

Posted on: August 28th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Let’s face it, digital thermostats can be intimidating.

But, used properly, they can save you lots of money!

Are you wondering how can a digital thermostat save you money? It’s all in the way you program them. The basic principle is to lower or raise the temperature of your house during the times you aren’t home.

Digital thermostats offer lots of features in terms of multiple setback settings, overrides, and adjustments for daylight savings time. In order to save money with a digital thermostat you need to take advantage of these features. When programming your thermostat, consider when you normally go to sleep and wake up. Also, think about the schedules of everyone in the household. If there is a time during the day when the house is unoccupied for four hours or more, if so it makes sense to adjust the temperature during those periods.

Some general rules for the timing of your thermostat program are:

Reduce the heat or air conditioning 20 to 30 minutes before you leave home
Adjust the temperature back to your comfort level 20 to 30 minutes before you come home each day.
Reduce the heat or air conditioning around 60 minutes before you go to sleep each night.
Increase heating or cooling approximately 30 minutes before you wake up each morning.
Schedule weekend settings that will be different from your mid-week thermostat settings.

Energy.gov provided a great example of what this sort of schedule might look like for an average family during the winter:

6:45 a.m.: The family wakes up to get ready for the day. The temperature of the house is 68°F; the heat automatically turned on a bit earlier so it would hit this temperature by 6:30.
7:45 a.m.: The family leaves the house and the thermostat is set to 63°F. By turning their thermostat back 5° or 6° for 8 hours, the family can save 5% to 15% a year on their heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.
4:30 p.m.: The family starts returning home from work and school. The heat turned back on a bit before this so the house would again be 68°F for their return.
10:30 p.m.: The whole family has gone to bed (bundled in warm pajamas and snuggled under blankets), and the thermostat is again set to 63°F.

The same principles apply during the warmer months of the year, only in reverse. A cooler temperature can be set for the hours when your family is home while allowing the temperature to be higher when your home is unoccupied. Digital thermostats will have override functions for times when you are home unexpectedly, or if you need to change the settings while you are out of town.

Programming a digital thermostat can be intimidating. This online tool is a great way to practice and get a better idea of what you are working with. Although it may not be your exact thermostat, it will help you get a general idea of how programming a thermostat will work. If you don’t have a digital thermostat and are looking to upgrade, or just need a little bit of TLC in order to get yours programmed, contact us at Action Air today. Give us a call at 931-647-8525 or send us a general inquiry. And remember when you need action, call Action Air!

SourceLinks:

http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/program-your-thermostat-fall-and-winter-savings

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.progThermostat

Why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?

Posted on: July 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Air conditioning can be essential on a hot summer day.

Nothing is worse than hot air blowing from your AC.

We all expect that sound of an air conditioner working to mean a nice cool breeze and a comfortable indoor temperature. So why would an Air conditioner blow hot air? Well there are several reasons, some almost silly and some serious. Here are a few of the most common reasons that you aren’t feeling that refreshing chilly air.

Thermostat Setting: Did your thermostat somehow get reset? Make sure you check that your thermostat is set to cool! If the settings were changed, your air conditioner could be working perfectly, it may just not be on! HVAC systems will usually have several settings and although the sounds they make may be the same when they are working they all have very different functions. Make sure you don’t have yours set to a heat or fan mode.
Restricted Airflow: If there is something restricting the Airflow in your HVAC system there the cool air being produced by your air conditioner may not be making it through your ducts into your house. The main culprit for this is an Air Filter that needs to be changed. If a filter hasn’t been changed in a long time it can get very dirty and clogged which will stop the airflow from your AC. It is relatively easy to change a filter yourself, and could easily fix the problem. A dirty air filter can also make the coils in your AC dirty and that will require professional maintenance.
Electric Issues: Most air conditioners have two parts, and indoor and an outdoor unit. If the electricity is cut off to the outdoor unit you may be getting warm air blown into the house. An indoor unit will often be on a separate breaker from the outdoor, so the fan will keep blowing air even if the AC isn’t actually functioning. Check your outdoor unit to see if it is actually on and functioning. If it doesn’t seem to be you can also check the breaker and see if it has been tripped. If the breaker has been tripped there is probably a bigger issue involved and you should seek help from a professional.
Low Refrigerant: From the cheapest air conditioner to the most elaborate, they all use some kind of refrigerant (usually Freon). A Freon leak can leave you feeling the heat since you will have a complete loss of cold air. A Freon leak will be obvious if you see ice formed on the inside and outside of your unit. There are also a few other reasons your AC could be low on refrigerant. If that is your issue, a recharge and maintenance will be necessary and you will definitely need to seek the help of a professional.

Hopefully we have given you a bit more of an idea what is going on. If you decide you need professional help fixing your Air Conditioner in Clarksville, Tennessee or the surrounding area, contact Action Air. Our experienced technicians are on call Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm and we have emergency service 24/7! Book an appointment online today at www.actionairclarksville.com, or give us a call at (931)-647-8525.

Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioner Repair Clarksville TN’

Warmer temperatures mean HVAC systems are working overtime, which may result in some common problems.

When your air conditioning isn’t cooling at its usual rate, it can be frustrating.

Sources:

With hot weather coming, saving on energy costs can be a challenge.

Treat your Windows

Keep Air Moving

Plug Leaks

Temperature Control

Prevent Thermostat Changes

Improving your home’s air quality can improve your health.

My system is running well, can I skip maintenance?

Prevention:

Energy Efficiency:

As winter weather drags on, people tend to develop cabin fever.

1) Keep the heat inside your home:

2) Plant an indoor garden:

3) Build a fort:

Concerns about the effects of poor indoor-air quality have increased.

1) Flat Filters

2) Extended Media Filters

3) Electronic Filters

4) Ultraviolet Filters

Let’s face it, digital thermostats can be intimidating.

But, used properly, they can save you lots of money!

Air conditioning can be essential on a hot summer day.

Nothing is worse than hot air blowing from your AC.