The temperature outside in Arizona ranges from 77 to 90 degrees between May and September, and you need air conditioning to keep your home cool and comfortable. If you’re using window units to keep your house cool, you should consider installing a central air conditioning system.

Central air has many benefits that you can’t get window units, including:

• You don’t have to install units at the beginning of the cooling season and remove them at the end the way you do with window units.
• Because central air units don’t have to be removed at the end of the cooling season, you won’t need to find a place to store units when the cooling season ends.
• A vent will be installed in every room in the house, allowing the system to keep the whole house cold rather than just one room.
• Central units cool the entire home, so you won’t have to keep the doors closed in rooms you want to stay cool. You also won’t have to hang sheets or blankets over doorways without doors, such as in the living room and kitchen.
• Central air units are much quieter than window units.
• Running a central air conditioner will cost less than multiple window units.

If you’re tired of the hassles associated with window units, a central air conditioner installation can solve your problems. There are many things you need to consider before the unit is installed.

Creating a Budget

Before starting any home improvement project, you need to create a budget to know how much you have to spend on the project. When creating a budget for a central air conditioner installation, you must include the equipment cost, labor, and cost to install or repair the existing ductwork. It’s easy to get the price of a few units to get a ballpark figure. Still, you’ll need help from an HVAC professional to help with the other costs, allowing you to create an accurate budget.

Selecting Locations for the Indoor Unit and Outdoor Compressor

When your budget is complete, you must select locations for the indoor unit and outdoor compressor before the project can proceed. There’s more to selecting sites than pointing to a spot, and you must take a few things into consideration.

The area where you plan to install the indoor unit must be large enough for the unit and for you to move around without any trouble. For the outdoor compressor, it’s best to find a shady area. If the sun beats down on the unit all day, it can cause it to overheat and shut down, and the shade will prevent this from happening. Also, it’s best to select an area away from bushes and shrubs because if they grow too close to the compressor, it can damage the fan.

If you’re having trouble selecting the best locations, an HVAC tech can help.

Selecting the Right Size Unit

Choosing the right size unit ensures your house remains cool and comfortable. It will be difficult for the unit to keep the house cool if you choose a unit that’s too small for your home’s square footage. The unit will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature and will consume more energy, and your electric bills will increase. If you select a unit that’s too large for your home’s square footage, it will cycle more frequently than it should, making it difficult for the unit to eliminate the humidity in the air.

It can be challenging to know which size unit is the best for your home, and a professional in air conditioner installation can help you select the suitable unit based on the size of your home.

Choosing an Energy-Efficient Unit

Energy efficiency is essential when selecting a suitable central unit for your house. Units that aren’t energy efficient will consume more energy and cost more to run than energy-efficient units.

The energy efficiency of air conditioners is rated using an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The minimum EER rating for central air conditioners is 10, and an EER rating of 14 is close to the upper limit. You should look for an EER rating of no less than 11 if you don’t want to pay more than you should to run the unit, and it’s best to choose a unit with a rating of at least 13.

Units with higher EER ratings are often more expensive but will save money in the long run. If you need help selecting the best unit that fits within your budget, an HVAC tech can help.

Ductwork

Air ducts are necessary to allow the cold air to travel from the unit to every room in your house. If there’s never been a central air conditioner in your home, it must be installed during installation. Installing the ductwork can add a few extra days to the project, and an HVAC tech can determine the cost of installing the air ducts.

If there were once a central unit in the house that’s been since removed, there would be existing air ducts. Before the installation can begin, an HVAC tech will inspect the ductwork to determine the condition and locate areas that must be repaired to ensure adequate airflow from the vents.

Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott Today

If you’re ready to install a central air conditioner and need to hire a professional in air conditioner installation, look no further than One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott. We’re a full-service HVAC company, serving customers throughout Western Arizona since 1969.

Our HVAC techs are professionally trained, and their knowledge and skill have allowed them to handle some of the most challenging jobs in the industry. We also have someone available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to help if you have an issue that must be addressed immediately.

Give One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott a call to schedule an appointment or book online.

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Why Is Your AC Unit Not Turning Off? Diagnosing The Main Causes And How An AC Repair Company Can Help

When your air conditioning unit doesn’t turn off, it is natural that your heart might skip a beat. While many reasons could cause this, some homeowners think electrical issues are the culprit. This is probably because a continuously running AC will increase monthly electricity bills. However, malfunctioning components such as clogged air filters, frozen evaporator coils, and faulty electrical relay switches can also result in the AC unit continuously running. If your air conditioning unit doesn’t shut off, the problem likely stems from one of the issues discussed below. However, you will discover you can avert most of these issues by having a routine air conditioning service from a reputable AC repair company.

Is It Alright for the AC to Run the Entire Day?

Even with the outside temperatures too extreme, the air conditioner shouldn’t remain running at the same level. The cooling cycles should happen about 2-3 times every hour, each lasting around 15-20 minutes. Once the thermostat detects that the set temperatures have been reached, the air conditioning unit powers down to end the cooling cycle. If your AC unit runs for hours constantly, you should have a repair company check it out immediately. Allowing the AC to continue running wastes electrical power and sustains excessive wearing out. This damages the component of the air conditioner, leading to malfunctions.

Why’s Your AC Not Turning Off?

If the Evaporator Coils are Frozen

Is your air conditioning unit running, and you feel hot or warm air blowing from the vents in your room? Could the evaporator coils be frozen within the air handling unit or indoor furnace? A layer of ice on the evaporator coils prevents the coolant from absorbing the heat from the overflowing air. But what makes the evaporator coils freeze up? Several reasons include a lack of airflow because of blocked room vents or dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, or even an excessive dirt buildup on evaporator coils.

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils might develop a large/heavy layer of ice if the drain line or condensate drain pan is clogged, retaining moisture inside the system. Thus, give your air conditioner regular maintenance by enlisting the services of a professional AC repair company. During the maintenance visits, the technician will check and fix the drain line and pan for clogging.

Electrical Issues

The air conditioning systems feature several electrical components, from relay switches, circuit boards, and capacitors to wiring and thermostat. If the relay switch is stuck, for instance, then the electrical circuit will stay closed. Hence, it will continue providing power to the air conditioning system even when the power isn’t required. As a result, the AC unit will continue running even after the cooling cycle completes, using more and more energy. The compressor contactor may also fuse in the closed position, allowing the condensing unit to continue running at constant power. Sometimes, a technician may fix a stuck switch. However, the professional will have to replace it most of the time. A new switch will allow the AC unit to run more efficiently than when you have it repaired.

Small Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioning units come in different sizes, and choosing a unit that fits the load (the area you need to be cooled) is crucial. When you purchase an undersized AC unit, it will need more power to reach the temperatures you set for cooling. As a result, it will have to keep running for extended periods to achieve the required cooling. This means that the unit will be using more power. This power is wasted in inefficient cooling. Thus, you must have an AC repair company measure the size to be cooled and recommend the best-fitting AC unit’s capacity for cooling your home.

Low Refrigerant Levels

As you might have heard, an air conditioner combines many parts. One of these components is a refrigerant or a coolant that helps transfer heat from the air. The AC unit must be recharged to the right refrigerant levels to cool your indoor space sufficiently. If the unit has a low amount of refrigerant in the coolant lines, it will not be able to cool your home within the cycle as it cannot transfer heat. Damaged coils, leakages in the refrigerant lines, and faulty components allow the coolant to escape from the system. This is among the main reasons your technician should regularly service the unit. During the maintenance visit, the professional will inspect the unit for issues like refrigerant leaks.

Condenser Coils that are Dirty

The hot air passes over the evaporator coils to ensure that your indoor space is cooled, absorbing heat energy. The coolant flows through the lines to the outdoor unit. Before moving to the condenser coil, the AC compressor pressures the refrigerant. It is in the condenser coils where the heat is released. There can be an accumulation of debris, dust, and dirt on the condenser coils, inhibiting their ability to release the heat carried by the refrigerant. When the condenser coils are dirty, the cooling power of an air conditioner becomes limited. Hence, the air conditioning system must continue running, ensuring every room is cooled sufficiently. Therefore, you should ensure that an AC repair company cleans them.

Faulty Thermostat

A thermostat sends signals to your air conditioner to begin or stop cooling. Depending on the thermostat you’ve installed at your home, you should replace it after some time, normally after ten years. Unfortunately, a thermostat also might gather dirt that could prevent it from reading the indoor temperatures accurately. Additionally, its electrical wiring might become faulty, or the wiring connections become loose. This disrupts communications between the air conditioner and the thermostat, making it run for an ample time without shutting down.

We Can Help!

Have you noticed that your AC unit isn’t cycling as it should and is running continuously? Call us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott for a further inspection.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Why Your AC Is Becoming Inefficient And How An Air Conditioning Service Can Help

The air conditioning system is one of the most important appliances in your house. This is because the weather around here can get extremely hot. Without a properly working air conditioning system, it is hard to imagine how uncomfortable living in your house would get. Considering the amount of work your air conditioning equipment needs to do to cool down your house, especially when the weather is too hot, it is not surprising that it is one of the most notable consumers of electricity in your house. However, under normal circumstances, your air conditioning system’s energy consumption should be fairly low and stable. Therefore, your energy bills should remain fairly stable from one year to the other. Therefore, if you have noticed that your energy bills are skyrocketing, there could be a serious underlying air conditioning problem. But what exactly might cause your air conditioning system to lose efficiency? Below is a rundown of the common reasons your AC might consume more electricity than usual and what a professional air conditioning service provider might do to help you resolve them accordingly.

Poor AC Maintenance

The air conditioning system is not something you can just install and forget. For it to work as expected, you must subject it to regular maintenance. For example, the air filter should be changed every few months, while the moving parts should be lubricated. Besides, the coils need to be cleaned on a regular basis. If you fail to seek timely AC maintenance services, your air conditioning system might start losing its efficiency. For instance, if the air filter is not changed on time, it will block the flow of air through your air conditioning system. Unfortunately, this will make it harder for your air conditioning system to cool your home. Consequently, the system will run for extended hours and consume more electricity than usual. Therefore, if you have not been taking regular air conditioning service seriously, this could be the reason you are spending more money on electricity. The good news is that this is an issue you can reverse by simply subjecting your HVAC system to routine maintenance. Servicing your air conditioning system regularly will keep it performing at its optimal level and consequently minimize its energy consumption.

Leaking Air Ducts

If you use a forced-air HVAC system, the ductwork has to be one of its most important components. Its role involves ensuring that the cooled air is evenly distributed throughout your house. Although your ductwork is highly durable, it can deteriorate with time and develop holes, cracks, and other openings that might leak. Unfortunately, if your ductwork is leaking, the cooled air from the air handler will be lost before it can get to where it is needed. Unfortunately, this would make it more difficult for your air conditioning system to achieve the indoor temperature you intend to achieve. As such, leaking ducts will have the effect of making your air conditioning system less efficient. The good news is that if this is the reason your AC is consuming more electricity than usual, it will not be too difficult for a professional air conditioning service provider to fix it. They will simply locate the leaks and seal them accordingly. However, if your ductwork is too dilapidated, you may be advised to get it replaced.

A Malfunctioning Blower Motor

The blower motor is also an essential part of your air conditioning system. Its job is to rotate the fan for it to draw hot air from the various rooms of your house, blow it over the evaporator coil, and push the cool air through the ducts into your house. For your air conditioning system to work as expected, the motor must be running optimally. Therefore, if the motor has malfunctioned for some reason, the performance of your air conditioning system will decline. For instance, if the motor is poorly lubricated, its speed might decline. Unfortunately, this would compromise the circulation of air through your HVAC system and consequently make it harder for your air conditioning equipment to achieve your desired temperature level. This means that a malfunctioning motor might cause your air conditioning system to run for extended hours and consume more electricity than usual. The good news is that if this is the reason your air conditioning system has lost its efficiency, it won’t be hard for your air conditioning service provider to fix it. Depending on what the cause of the problem might be, they will either repair or replace the motor.

Leaking Refrigerant

The refrigerant is a vital part of your air conditioning system. This chemical is usually circulated between the evaporator coil and the condenser coil, and its job is to absorb heat from your indoor air and release it outside your house. For your air conditioning system to operate efficiently, it must have an adequate amount of refrigerant. The good news is that the refrigerant does not get depleted since it circulates in a closed system. However, the hoses through which it is circulated can deteriorate with time and develop holes or cracks that might leak. Unfortunately, as the level of refrigerant in your AC drops, it will become harder for your AC to cool your house as expected, and it might consume more electricity than expected. If the reason your air conditioning system is consuming more electricity has to do with low refrigerant levels, your air conditioning repair service provider will simply locate the leak, seal them and refill the refrigerant.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, if your air conditioning system is losing its efficiency and consuming more electricity than usual, there are several areas your air conditioning expert will need to check. If you are looking for a reliable air conditioning expert to help you diagnose and fix efficiency issues in your air conditioning system, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott is the answer. Feel free to get in touch with us today to learn more about our company and services.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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Smart AC Woes: Common Home Air Conditioner Problems That An AC Repair Company Can Tackle

Smart air conditioners are becoming popular in this digital and smart technologies era. Approximately 87 percent of homes in the country use air conditioners, and the need for internet-enabled electricals is increasing as IoT devices are predicted to reach 13 billion. With the increase in home automation systems and integrated technology, people opt for smart cooling and heating units for comfort, energy efficiency, and convenience.

ACs from smart technologies are the best energy-efficient appliances for homeowners to save electricity. The relevant units are more convenient as people can control indoor temperatures remotely from any part of the house, town, or workplace using mobile apps.

Smart ACs are automated and significantly reduce carbon footprint, making them environmentally friendly. Additionally, smart air conditioners have self-diagnose components that alert homeowners of potential problems before they break down or fail.

As much as smart cooling appliances have numerous benefits for households, they are not immune to problems that can halt their operations, increasing discomfort levels. Luckily, a reputable and reliable AC repair company can fix any cooling and heating issues, regardless of type and brand. In this blog, you’ll learn about some of the problems you may encounter.

Compatibility Problems

Smart air conditioning units have multiple features, such as intelligence triggers, usage details, smart modes, smart home integration, and geolocation. Qualified technicians use the home integration components to connect the system to other HVAC units for peak performance. They can link HVAC appliances to one smart thermostat or smart modes for easy control, automation, and control.

However, an issue might arise if the smart features in an AC are not compatible with those of other HVAC units. It is an issue that makes it impossible for professionals to integrate a home automation system that allows more than one appliance or equipment to work harmoniously with others in providing comfort.

The HVAC specialists can fix the problem by getting smart ACs compatible with other systems like boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, or central ACs. It is wise to hire an AC repair expert with setup experience to help in the buying and installation phases to avoid AC replacement due to incompatibility.

Software Glitches or Mishaps

Since smart air conditioners use mobile apps to control indoor temperatures, they might fail to operate efficiently when the software is inoperable. If integrated with other smart devices in home automation, smart air conditioning units can respond to voice commands from different brands, including Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa.

Plus, your smart AC can help you change the modes in your home, from cool to comfy, using controllers, thermostats, and programmable devices that allow automatic changes depending on climate changes.

But, when the software in your phone or the smart features in the controllers and thermostats fail, it will be impossible to change from one mode to another. If the weather changes from cold to hot and temperatures indoors are warm, you and your loved ones will have to endure the high indoor temperatures when outdoors are cold.

You can fix the issue by restarting your phone to see if the software will respond. However, if restarting does not rectify the problem, leaving it to professionals is wiser.

Connectivity Problems

Smart air conditioners use the internet to operate optimally, providing conditioned air for improved comfort during summer. Homeowners or tenants should renew their internet subscriptions immediately after they deplete to continue enjoying the utmost. They should also have a backup internet provision network in case of internet connectivity issues.

Sometimes the problem might be a slow or unstable internet connection that substantially affects the cooling capacity and temperature readings. In such cases, a professional from a reliable AC repair company can recommend having ceiling fans or other ACs or heat pumps that can operate efficiently without internet connectivity.

Restricted Air Flow

Your smart air conditioners can also be problematic if the air filters are clogged, restricting sufficient air from flowing to vital AC parts. Dirty filters can cause mild to severe issues that can lead to the sudden breakdown of the unit. They can affect the compressor’s performance, lead to frozen evaporator coils, and make the system overheat with time.

Smart ACs with filthy air filters can also struggle to provide cool air, increasing energy costs. You and your family will notice the low cooling effect or sometimes no cool air coming from the AC, which will compel you to call an AC repair expert for a solution.

Refrigerant Leaks

The low refrigerant level is another problem affecting smart air conditioners’ peak performance. Leaking coolant is caused by pinholes due to degraded copper tubing, wear and tears, physical damage on the unit, and vibrations that can create homes in copper coils.

The low Freon in the system can make the compressor fail eventually due to an undercharge that impacts the cooling capacity and optimal efficiency.

The only way to fix the problem is to have a qualified technician from a trustworthy AC repair company who understands the importance of factory-set limits to replace the lost refrigerant. The professional replace the corroded or worn-out copper lines and other damaged parts to prevent further leaks for the peak performance of the smart AC.

We are Here for Your Cooling and Heating Needs!

If you encounter any glitches or hitches with your smart air conditioner, it is wise to reach out to One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott. We are a reputable AC repair company with the best technicians in the industry, providing a wide range of HVAC services that meet your needs.

In a Nutshell

Smart air conditioners have numerous features that allow people to control their operations using mobile apps. They are trending because of the increased demand for internet-enabled devices that increase convenience and comfort. They can work in sync with other smart appliances in your home with proper integration and installation.

Despite its many benefits, including increased efficiency, low carbon footprint, and convenience, smart air conditioning units can have connectivity issues, compatibility, software problems, restricted airflow, and refrigerant leaks. The difficulties are repairable and preventable with the intervention of qualified HVAC professionals from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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The Hidden Benefits Of AC Repair

When you notice that your AC is struggling to keep you cool, making strange noises, or weak with the airflow, there are reasons why calling for AC repair is a good idea. It might be tempting to wait until a more convenient time or just call when it quits, but the hidden benefits of repairing your AC apply more when you take action. Your AC system works hard, especially in our summer heat. Keeping it in good repair, running efficiently and reliably sets it free to do its best for you. It’s amazing what a freely running, efficient AC can do to reduce your energy bill and even provide more years of reliable service.

Weak Cooling Speeds Up AC Wear

When your air conditioning system is in less than perfect shape, its lower efficiency can cost you more on your energy bill. You can see that right away, but what you don’t see is how that lower efficiency makes it work harder to respond to the same thermostat setting. All that extra time running to cool your home puts extra wear on your system, from fans running longer to circulate air to more compressor work for cooling.

Keeping Operation Reliable by Addressing Emerging Issues

While your AC repair call has a very specific goal, technicians may recognize other symptoms or problems that could cause trouble later on. It’s the talent they put to good use on maintenance visits, using their experience and training to note developing concerns, especially common ones. In fact, our vehicles are well-stocked with test equipment and parts to analyze and repair the most common problems on a single visit. We know your time is valuable. It just makes sense to keep an eye out. Some issues are simple and related, like a worn-out air handling motor or belt may point to a clogged air filter as well, possibly the cause. You get to choose, of course, and we provide quotes in detail with explanations so you know what the concerns and suggested remedies are.

Faster Service Than You Might Think, Thanks to Well-Stocked Vehicles

One reason our technicians drive larger vehicles is that they’re bringing more than themselves to perform your air conditioning service. They have test equipment, access to our operations and information resources, and a carefully selected inventory of parts to complete many common repairs on the spot. Perhaps you thought that they’d arrive, take a look, and tell you they were returning later. Not if we can help it! With a well-stocked vehicle and an extensive knowledge of all major brands of HVAC equipment, they’re ready to provide most AC repair services you need, exceeding your expectations!

A Simple Fix Now, a Tougher One Later

Occasionally our technician’s experienced diagnosis leads to a less-common part that’s not on hand in the vehicle. With real-time connections to other technicians, our warehouse, and beyond, we set the acquisition in motion so we can continue on as soon as possible. We’re respectful of your time and concerned about your comfort, so we’ve created ways to get the resources we need to take care of you without delay and without excuses. It’s another hidden benefit of our service, one you might not encounter so often because we work hard to have what we need on hand. Our system works for you! Even the tough problems are usually solved just a little bit later than the common ones.

Ready for the Heat Wave

Speaking of no excuses, what about when a heat wave comes, and your system works hard enough to quit? One way we address that is by offering thorough maintenance that prepares your system for a strenuous summer, but unpredictable AC problems still arise. That’s ok; we watch the weather report and stay ready, making sure we have the parts and personnel to take on an increase in customer calls. This is another reason why calling when you first notice issues can pay off as well. You’ll beat the rush and be running smoothly when the thermometer peaks outside. Plus, the usual benefits of energy savings and longevity from a well-tuned system apply as well!

Staying Cool for Parties at Your Place

There’s another time when struggling AC or even failure can be an especially urgent situation in addition to heat waves. When you have special events, parties, and family gatherings, when there are lots of people in your home, you want to make a good impression. A lot of bodies also means a lot of extra heat in your home, which you might not realize, but it’s a well-known HVAC principle. What we’ve noted already about being prepared applies here, too, of course, but melting ice cream is no time to discuss that. It’s time for us to rush! Let us know when you have a situation, such as an important gathering, someone with health issues, or other unexpected concerns, so we know and can do our best to help.

One Company to Turn To

It’s wonderful when our customers rely on us long-term, so we can get to know them, stay on top of their HVAC concerns, and provide the maintenance and repairs they need. Why not get to know us as well and have a number already programmed in your phone when you need us urgently? You’ll discover that we are reliable, professional, and with values and skills that make us the right call. You’ll also have experts to talk with when your system gets older, less efficient, and less reliable, and you’d like advice and recommendations about new AC equipment.

Is your air conditioning system doing anything but quietly keep you cool? For prompt, affordable AC repair that keeps you cool and perks up your cooling system, reach out to One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Prescott. We’ll help you get the most out of your HVAC equipment for the long term!

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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