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Don't Let your System Get Iced Up by These 3 Preventable AC Problems

Smiling technician from A-Plus Air Conditioning holding a power tool, ready to assist with common AC issues.

3 Common but Avoidable AC Problems

Summer soon will be drawing to a close and taking the hot temperatures with it. However, this time of year, summer usually has a way of surprising everyone with some brutally hot days before it finally gives way to fall. In these last days of summer, protecting the air conditioner is crucial. Usually, this is the time of the year where air conditioners work their hardest and homeowners want them to finish the cooling season strong. Taking advice from professional AC maintenance crews can help homeowners squeeze every bit of performance out of their air conditioner in the final stretch before the fall chill arrives. 

The following is a quick list of problems to look out for to keep air conditioners running all the way up until the end of the season. 

Lack of Airflow

With temperatures and humidity at their worst, the end of the summer can be truly uncomfortable if the air conditioner isn’t working well. One of the most irritating problems that can happen at the end of the summer is a lack of airflow that prevents the home from cooling or dehumidifying. The result is a humid and sticky home. 

Lack of airflow can be caused by problems such as:

  • Poor maintenance like dirty filters or clogged coils
  • Broken ductwork that allows cooled air to escape or hot air to enter the plenum 
  • Frozen AC coils that are the result of low refrigerant pressure  or problematic motors 

Regular maintenance is the best remedy and prevention for a lack of airflow. During regular visits, HVAC technicians can monitor all of the causes of low airflow so that it never becomes a problem. 

Leaks in Coils and Refrigerant Lines

Air conditioner coil with visible refrigerant leak and corrosion, highlighting maintenance issues related to low refrigerant pressure and airflow problems.

One of the things that makes an air conditioner cool the air in the home is a chemical called “refrigerant.” Refrigerants are chemicals that capture and release heat to move it outside of the home. The process by which they accomplish this involves their condensation and evaporation. 

Refrigerants are held under high pressures in the coils and tubing in an air conditioner. If the coils or tubing springs a leak, refrigerant can leak out and lead to a loss of performance in the unit. Performing regular maintenance and inspection on an air conditioner can help ensure that leaks are prevented. During routine maintenance, AC professionals will clean and inspect coils to make sure they won’t leak. If leaks are discovered, they can be repaired quickly so that performance is restored to the unit. 

No Power to the Unit

Technician inspecting air conditioning unit wiring, highlighting maintenance for optimal performance and leak prevention.One of the easiest problems to notice is an AC that isn’t getting power. Whether it's the sweltering heat inside the home or the lack of power at the digital thermostat, a unit with no power is an easy problem to see. 

Some of the likely problems that can cause an AC to lose power are:

  • Battery-powered thermostats that need new batteries
  • Breakers that have tripped due to electrical problems within the unit
  • Cutoff switches that won’t allow the unit to run due to flooding caused by clogged drain lines

When air conditioners don’t have power, professional help should be sought. Most of the time, the lack of power is an indication of larger problems that will require repairs. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions 

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has served Austin, TX for over 40 years. With fast service and quick turnarounds, they are committed to keeping the folks of Austin cool. Call them today for professional AC service in Austin.

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Don't Forget the Energy Audit Before Buying a Home!

City skyline with skyscrapers; ECA audit text underscores home improvement by A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions.

An Energy Audit Performed by a Professional Is an Important Part of the Home Buying Process

Energy audits are a vital part of the home buying process. When selling a home, an energy audit may be required in Austin. When buying a home, an energy audit can tell the potential home buyers whether the home is energy-efficient or not. But this isn’t the only reason to have an energy audit. Read on to find out all about energy audits and how to go about getting one. 

What Is an ECAD Audit and Why Do You Need One?

Thermal imaging camera used for energy audits, assessing home energy efficiency and identifying insulation issues.

An Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) is a way to help ensure energy efficiency in homes. This audit is required for every home in Austin that is being sold and hasn’t been audited in the last 10 years. They’re designed to identify ways to save energy in a house or building. They’re performed by professionals and can give buyers the confidence they need in a property, and they can give sellers a leg up over other homes on the market. ECAD audits are always paid for by the seller.

But that’s not all these energy audits are good for. They can also help a home or building improve its air quality. These audits can help home and building owners identify problem areas and address them, thereby increasing energy savings and property value, making the home or building more comfortable for those living or working inside. 

Different Kinds of Energy Audits

There are a couple of different kinds of energy audits that different circumstances call for. There’s the visual audit, which entails a professional inspecting both the outside and inside of the home or building. Austin Home Performance Program uses this type of audit. It will give the homeowner an idea of the building’s overall energy performance, including installation and ductwork. 

Comprehensive energy audits are a more thorough inspection of the home or building. This type of audit includes testing for air leaks, which can be a major factor in inefficient energy usage. This includes air leak testing in both the house itself and the air ducts. These recommendations enable homeowners to enact changes that will allow them to increase energy efficiency, saving them money in the long run. 

Finding the Best Auditors for the Job

Family celebrating home purchase in front of "Sold" sign, highlighting successful real estate transaction related to energy audits and home efficiency.When searching for a company to do an energy audit, it’s best to stick to those certified to do this work. It’s also a good idea to search for Austin companies that have been involved in programs like the Austin Home Performance Program. 

Companies that offer a wide range of energy auditing services and who are willing to file the proper paperwork with the city will make a homeowner’s life that much easier. Trusted HVAC companies with a good reputation and excellent reviews will be sure to do a fine job on energy audits and other HVAC-related issues. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has been serving Austin, TX, for over 40 years. They’re a family-owned and operated business that offers fast and friendly service. They’re also BBB accredited and a recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service Award. Give them a call today for ECAD audits across Austin.

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