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Airflow Problems? Possible Causes of the Issues

What Causes Poor Airflow From the Vents?

On hot and humid summer days, the last thing homeowners want is a weak blast of air from their air conditioner. This inconvenience can quickly lead to discomfort and a mad scramble to find the cause and schedule AC repairs.

When this happens, some of the common causes of weak airflow from the air conditioner include:

Dirty or clogged air filters that can restrict airflow in the house.
Leaking, disconnected, or clogged ducts can significantly hinder airflow throughout the home.
Low refrigerant levels can lead to weak cooling and reduced airflow.

In this post, Omaha technicians explain how these problems can hinder home airflow and lower indoor comfort levels.

Dirty Air Filters

If homeowners notice reduced air flow around their house, one of the first steps they should take is to check their air filters. If these units are dirty or clogged, they can reduce the airflow.

Clean air filters can accurately capture dust, debris, allergens, and other particles from the air. If these devices are clogged, the filters cannot properly capture these contaminants, which will remain in the air.

While this is important to keep indoor air quality high, a clogged filter can also restrict the airflow through the air conditioner, resulting in weaker airflow from the vents.

Scheduling air filter replacements every 1–3 months can keep air filters clean and functioning correctly.

Leaks and Defects in Ductwork

One key part of an air conditioning system is the ductwork. The ducts carry cooled air from the AC system to various parts of the house to keep the home cool and comfortable. If a defect, like a leak or blockage, occurs, the air cannot properly circulate throughout the house, leaving the home hot and uncomfortable.

To avoid these problems, homeowners must schedule ductwork repairs or replacements as soon as possible. AC contractors can quickly check the air ducts and perform the needed work to restore comfort to the house in no time.

Low Refrigerant or Dirty Coils

Air conditioners need clean evaporator and condenser coils and the right amount of refrigerant to run correctly. If these AC coils malfunction or there isn’t enough refrigerant in the AC system, it can prevent the unit from producing the correct amount of cooled air.

Evaporator and condenser coils are essential to keeping homes cool. They must absorb heat from the house and release it outside to function properly. As these units accumulate dirt and debris, their efficiency can be reduced, preventing them from releasing the correct amount of cooled air throughout the house.

The correct refrigerant levels are needed to produce the right volume of cooled air. If there is a refrigerant leak and the levels are too low, the air conditioner cannot distribute cooled air throughout the house.

Homeowners should schedule yearly AC maintenance services to avoid these problems and enable strong airflow throughout the house. During these services, AC contractors will check the air filters, coils, and refrigerant levels to ensure the air conditioner works correctly.

About SOS Heating & Cooling

Since 1950, SOS Heating & Cooling has provided top-rated HVAC services to the Omaha area. They have provided more than 70 years of quality work, don’t upsell their customers, and offer straightforward pricing. Call them today for air conditioning services in Omaha, NE.

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Tips to Save on Cooling Costs This Summer

Spend Less While Staying Cool

As the summer heats up, keeping homes cool becomes a priority for homeowners. But that doesn’t mean they have to break the bank on their cooling costs. This blog post will share some simple tips to help homeowners save money on air conditioning without sacrificing comfort and cooling, including using ceiling fans, changing their air filters regularly, and installing a smart thermostat.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

When homeowners need to cool down their homes, they might immediately start by turning down the temperature on the thermostat. However, there is a more energy-efficient option, which is using the home’s ceiling fans along with the air conditioner. Using ceiling fans allows homeowners to set their thermostats several degrees higher to save energy and money while staying comfortable all summer.

However, it’s important to note that the ceiling fan should be set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer to create a cool, refreshing breeze. Ceiling fans can also be used along with heaters in the winter to save energy and money by switching the direction of the fan to clockwise and setting it at low speed.

Change Air Filters Regularly

It’s essential for homeowners to regularly change their AC filters to keep their air conditioning systems working efficiently. If air filters are dirty or clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder to make up for the airflow issues and cool the home, causing energy bills to rise.

Homeowners should perform air filter replacements as needed, depending on the type of filter, but they should generally be replaced at least every three months. However, an air filter should be changed sooner if it is dirty, so checking filters every month is recommended. This simple maintenance step can improve the AC unit’s energy efficiency and help prevent high energy bills.

Schedule a Smart Thermostat Installation

Smart thermostats can be a game-changer for energy savings. These thermostats have many different energy-saving features that set them apart from standard, manual thermostats and can be controlled from a homeowner’s smartphone. So, installing a smart thermostat can help homeowners save money on their heating and cooling costs.

A smart thermostat can automatically adjust its temperature settings based on the daily schedule of residents to save energy and money. They can also have a vacation mode that allows for energy and cost savings while the home is empty for an extended time. Depending on the type of smart thermostat, these and more features can be used to conserve energy, optimize comfort, and save on utility bills.

About SOS Heating & Cooling

SOS Heating & Cooling is a third-generation, family-owned company serving the Omaha area. They provide straightforward pricing, quick solutions, and financing options. Call them for air conditioning services in Omaha, NE.

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Reasons to Get AC Maintenance This Spring

Benefits of Spring Air Conditioner Maintenance

As Omaha residents prepare for the summer heat, it’s essential to have a working air conditioner to keep a house cool and comfortable all season. If the AC system breaks down, it can leave a house uncomfortable and hot, putting family members at risk.

Fortunately, homeowners can proactively address these concerns by scheduling preventative AC maintenance before the summer. This post will share some advantages of getting maintenance for the air conditioner done in the spring.

Flexibility With Scheduling

Scheduling AC maintenance in the spring can offer homeowners greater flexibility when making an appointment compared to the peak summer months when demand for AC services is high and technicians are busier. This can give homeowners more scheduling options, allowing them to choose a more convenient time for them.

Additionally, when maintenance is performed before the summer, AC units are less likely to experience problems, reducing the risk of needing surprise AC repairs during the busy summer months. So, homeowners should schedule maintenance this spring when technicians are less likely to be preoccupied with a backlog of emergency AC repairs.

A Better Performing and More Efficient Air Conditioner

Annual air conditioning maintenance is essential for keeping homes cool and comfortable and for keeping the air conditioner energy efficient. During a routine maintenance visit, AC contractors perform several tasks that impact the system’s efficiency, such as cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels to ensure there isn’t a leak, and more.

They will also inspect the system during a maintenance visit, allowing them to catch and fix any issues causing inefficiency. When the air conditioner is energy efficient, it will be reflected on the energy bills, so maintenance can help homeowners reduce their utility costs and save money.

Extending the AC Unit’s Lifespan

Scheduling yearly air conditioner maintenance also helps it run longer by prolonging its lifespan. During routine maintenance services, AC technicians can help reduce system wear and tear by performing tasks like lubricating the moving parts of the AC unit. They can also catch and repair issues they find during the inspection before the problem gets worse and necessitates an AC replacement.

So, extending the lifespan of the air conditioner with regular maintenance will prevent homeowners from having to pay for a costly air conditioning replacement too soon. Well-maintained air conditioners run more efficiently, experience fewer problems, and last longer, which can all save homeowners money.

About SOS Heating & Cooling

SOS Heating & Cooling is a third-generation, family-owned business serving the Omaha area. They provide straightforward pricing, no upselling, and trusted technicians. Call them for AC maintenance and repair services in Omaha, NE.

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Signs an Air Conditioner Replacement Could Be Needed

How to Tell an AC Replacement May Be Needed

Homeowners need to be proactive when they think their air conditioner is malfunctioning. To avoid being left in a hot and uncomfortable house, households need to identify the signs that indicate a new AC installation is needed.

This post will explain what signs property owners should watch for that mean air conditioner replacement could be needed, including if their house is not cooling, the utility bills are increasing, and if the AC is emitting foul smells or strange sounds.

House Is Not Cooling to the Desired Temperature

When household members notice their house seems hotter than it should be, it can indicate that the air conditioner is malfunctioning and may need to be replaced. There are many reasons for warm air to blow through the vents or for there to be restricted airflow.

These issues could be caused by faulty components of an aging system. If the air conditioner is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s likely time to replace the unit. An undersized air conditioner can also prevent it from accurately cooling a house. If the existing unit is too small for a home, experts will recommend scheduling an AC replacement.

Increasing Energy Bills

When homeowners’ utility bills increase, they might initially not think it’s a big deal and assume they’ve used the air conditioner more than usual. However, high cooling costs can indicate the AC unit is not working correctly. Air conditioners can run inefficiently for several reasons, such as if the following issues occur:

The system is aging and is showing signs of wear and tear
It’s too small for the house
There is a leak in the ductwork
There is a refrigerant leak
The unit has not been well-maintained
The components are malfunctioning or worn out

Homeowners should call an HVAC contractor when they notice their energy bills are increasing, but their energy usage hasn’t changed. An expert can inspect the system to determine if air conditioning replacement, maintenance, or repair is needed.

Odd Sounds or Smells

Another sign that can indicate a homeowner needs to schedule a new air conditioner installation is if the system makes strange sounds or emits foul odors. There are certain sounds and smells property owners should pay attention to, including:

Rattling or banging noises: These can indicate there are loose or broken parts.
Squealing or screeching sounds: These are caused by worn-out or misaligned belts. They can also signal a malfunctioning compressor.
Hissing or whistling sounds: These can signal a refrigerant leak.
Clicking or ticking sounds: These can be the symptom of an electrical problem.
Buzzing or humming sounds: These are caused by loose parts, an electrical issue, or a failing motor.
Musty or burning odors: These can be caused by mold and moisture problems.
Burning smells: These can be caused by things like electrical problems or overheating.

Property owners should call an air conditioner contractor as soon as they notice these issues. A technician will determine whether AC repairs or a replacement are necessary.

About SOS Heating & Cooling

SOS Heating & Cooling is a family-owned business that has been serving Omaha and the surrounding areas for over 70 years. They provide straightforward pricing, no upselling, and quick solutions. Call them for air conditioning replacement and installation in Omaha, NE.