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Do AC vents need to be cleaned?

Written by Service Lifter on September 7, 2023. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

TLDR: Clean AC vents are crucial for efficient air conditioning, improved indoor air quality, and lower energy costs. Signs of dirty vents include dust buildup, unpleasant odors, noisy operation, reduced airflow, and higher energy bills. Cleaning vents regularly reduces exposure to contaminants, extends system lifespan, and improves air flow. It also reduces allergy and asthma symptoms. Use appropriate cleaning techniques depending on vent type, wear protective gear, and maintain a healthy home environment. Regular vent cleaning is a simple yet effective way to ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor space.

Having clean AC vents is vital to ensuring the efficiency of a home’s air conditioning system, as well as promoting better air quality for improved health. Knowing the common signs of dirty AC vents, understanding the health benefits of cleaning them regularly, and implementing easy cleaning tips and techniques can help to ensure that the AC vents in your home stay clean.

The Importance of Clean AC Vents

Maintaining clean air conditioning vents plays an important role in improving the overall air quality and performance of your AC system. Over time, dust, debris, pet hair, and other allergens build up in ducts, vents, and registers of air conditioners. When vents become blocked, the airflow is diminished, causing the AC system to overwork and lose efficiency. With the vent blocked, air that is produced can be stale, humid, and contain harmful bacteria and dust particles that can aggravate asthma or allergies.

The negative effect of blocked air conditioning vents on the performance of the AC system can extend beyond indoor air quality. When the air conditioning system is performing at a reduced level, it can result in higher energy costs and the need for frequent repairs. Cleaning your air conditioning vents will help reduce energy use and prevent costly repairs, allowing your AC system to run at its full capacity.

To properly clean the air conditioning vents, it is recommended that they be thoroughly cleaned and serviced at least twice per year. If the air vents are covered in dust and debris, it’s important to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to carefully clean out the dust and debris. Additionally, for more difficult jobs, it is advisable to call a certified air conditioning system technician to inspect and thoroughly clean the vents.

It is also important to take preventative measures to reduce dust and debris accumulation and maintain clean AC vents. Regularly cleaning floors, carpets, and furniture items can reduce the amount of dust and debris that accumulates in your air conditioning vents. Changing your air filters for each season is also recommended, as this can reduce dust and debris from entering your air conditioning system.

Overall, the importance of clean AC vents should not be overlooked. Cleaning the vents regularly and taking preventive measures can not only improve indoor air quality but also reduce energy costs and the need for repairs. By employing these tactics, your AC system should run at its optimal performance in order to provide efficient cooling and air conditioning over the long-term.

Common Signs of Dirty AC Vents

When it comes to dirty air conditioning vents, it is important to know what to look for. Common signs of dirty AC vents include dust or other debris accumulation, an unpleasant smell, loudness (caused by the fan or blower motor), reduced airflow, and increased energy bills.

Dust and debris accumulation are some of the most common indicators of AC vents that have become dirty. When dust and debris accumulate on the vents, they will usually be visible, so this is a type of sign that will be easy to spot. In fact, your AC vents probably would not need to be this dirty very often, so if you notice an accumulation of dust, it is likely time to get them cleaned.

Another indicator of dirty AC vents is an unpleasant odor. This odor is often caused by the dust and debris that have built up over time. When the dust accumulates, it is likely that the air blowing through the vents will pick up the odors and disperse them, making the space seem stale and musty.

When it comes to dirty AC vents, another sign is loud fan or blower motor noises. Vents rely on pressure in order to operate correctly, and dirt and debris can cause issues by blocking pressure. Blocked pressure causes the fan or blower motor to work overtime in order to overcome the blockage, and this can lead to a loud and unpleasant noise.

Also, if you have noticed that your AC vents are not blowing as much air, or if your energy bills have been higher as of late, then these are likely also signs of dirty vents. When vents are blocked, airflow is reduced and the motor has to work harder in order to push the same amount of air. This leads to higher energy bills, and if you have noticed your bills have gone up recently, then you should check your vents.

All in all, if you suspect that your AC vents may be dirty, then you should keep an eye out for all of the signs and symptoms described here. A professional cleaning may be necessary in order to clear out any dirt or debris and restore your AC vents to their optimal performance.

Health Benefits of Clean AC Vents

Clean air conditioning vents are important for ensuring that the air in our homes or other indoor spaces is crisp and pure. Regularly cleaning AC vents is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the air indoors remains healthy and free from contaminants or other irritants. Keeping AC vents clean can improve the air quality in a home or business and also improve overall comfort and health of those that occupy the space. Among the many health benefits of clean AC vents, the following is a list of the top benefits:

Reduced Exposure to Contaminants: Excessive dust, debris, fumes, and germs can accumulate in vents over time, leading to poor air quality unless cleaned. Regularly cleaning AC vents helps to reduce the exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants, thus creating a healthier living or work environment.
Improved Longevity of the System: Without regular maintenance, an AC system can quickly become a breeding ground for pollutants and other objects that can reduce performance and cause it to fail prematurely. Cleaning the vents regularly helps to reduce stress on the system ensuring proper functioning for its entire useful lifespan.
Improved Air Flow: Another key benefit of regularly cleaning AC vents is an improved air flow. If the AC vents are clogged with dust and debris, the airflow of the system will be significantly reduced. This can strain the fan and AC components, leading to expensive repair bills as well as uncomfortable air circulation if not properly maintained.
Reduced Allergy and Asthma Symptoms: Regularly cleaning AC vents helps to reduce the amount of allergens and irritants present in the air. People with allergies and asthma may suffer from stuffiness and other symptoms due to poor indoor air quality, which can be drastically improved with regular cleaning of the AC vents.

Finally, clean AC vents can help reduce energy costs as a clean system is not required to work as hard to maintain the same temperature. This means a reduced energy bill and better air quality at the same time. Clean AC vents should be a regular practice as the benefits to both health and cost savings are clear.

AC Vent Cleaning Tips and Techniques

AC vent cleaning is a beneficial and necessary task. Not only does it keep your vents looking nice and your home free of dust, it also helps to keep your air pollution levels low and your heating and cooling system free of debris. There are several different techniques for cleaning AC vents, though the best approach will depend largely on the type of material and age of the vent.

For older, metal vents, it is usually best to vacuum with a specialized attachment prior to cleaning. Use a gentle spray of all-purpose disinfectant to scrub down the vent. Wipe away excess liquid with clean rags or cloths. If the vents are particularly dirty, a stronger cleaner may be necessary.

If your vents are older and wood or plastic, a gentle scrub with a dry cloth may be necessary. If the wood is varnished, the cloth should be dampened with a specialized wood cleaner to prevent any discoloration or fading. To clean plastic vents, use a gentle spray bottle of,”all-purpose,” disinfectant and scrub lightly. Then wipe away any excess liquid.

For newer vents made of composite materials like styrofoam or fabric, a vacuum cleaner is usually the best approach. Vacuum the area thoroughly and then use a non-abrasive cleaner and damp cloth to remove any stubborn residue. Make sure to wipe away any remaining cleaner with a dry cloth.

It is important to note that whatever the type of vent you are cleaning, you must wear the necessary safety protection such as gloves and a mask. You never know what lingering dust or particles may be present and these items will help protect your respiratory system. Keeping your AC vents clean will ensure that your home environment remains healthy and happy.

Key Takeaways

It is obvious the importance of clean AC vents and the health benefits associated with them. Additionally, understanding the common signs of dirty AC vents and employing the appropriate cleaning tips and techniques can help to ensure that your AC vents continue functioning effectively. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant and inspect your AC system on a regular basis and perform proper maintenance to ensure a clean air circulation system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do AC vents need to be cleaned?

AC vents should be cleaned to ensure good air quality and remove dust, dirt, and other buildup that might be obstructing the air flow. Cleaning also helps to reduce allergens, improve air circulation, and reduce energy costs. Regular cleaning can help keep your system running efficiently and effectively.

How often should I clean my AC vents?

It is recommended that you clean your AC vents at least twice a year. Additionally, if you notice a buildup of dust or debris, you may want to consider cleaning them more often. If you have pets or other allergens that may be present in the home, it may also be in your best interests to check your vents even more regularly.

Can dirty AC vents affect my health?

Yes, dirty AC vents can affect your health. They can cause allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems. Additionally, dirty vents can lead to mold growth, spread dust and allergens around, and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. For these reasons, it is important to keep your air conditioning system clean and well-maintained.

What are the common signs of dirty AC vents?

Common signs of dirty AC vents include:
-A musty smell coming from the vents
-Excessive dust, dirt and debris coming from the vents
-Higher than normal energy bills
-Loud noises coming from the vents
-Visible rust on or near the vents
-Reduced air flow from the vents
-Hot and cold spots throughout the room
-Frozen coils
-Dusty and inefficient operation.

What Size Furnace Do You Need?

Written by Semper Fi on January 31, 2023. Posted in Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, Air Conditioner Tune-Up, Blog.

Hint: Bigger Isn’t Better

Time will come when your old furnace is not worth attempting to repair. You can live with rattles, squeaks and uneven heating in your home. You could even live with small repair bills. But no heat on a cold night is over the limit. It will be time to look for a new furnace. Then, don’t think about moving up to a larger-capacity furnace unless you know your old furnace is undersized. An oversized furnace usually creates more problems than it solves.

It’s Less Efficient

A properly sized furnace is an optimally sized furnace – not too big and not too small. Every time a furnace starts up for a heating cycle, it takes a few minutes to warm up. During the warmup, it is operating at less than peak efficiency. After it is warmed up, it operates at peak heating efficiency. An oversized furnace may warm up the house too quickly and shut down before or shortly after the warmup. Repeat that over and over all day and all night and the furnace is always operating less efficiently than it should.

Life Expectancy

Over years of service, the on again/off again cycles will cause excess wear to system controls and ultimately shorten the lifespan of the large furnace. An optimally sized furnace is more efficient and will have a longer operational life. A well-maintained, high-quality, properly sized furnace should provide efficient heating for 15-20 years or more.

Short Cycling

A common problem with oversized furnaces is called short cycling. It happens when sensors in the furnace cause it to overheat and shut down before the house has warmed up. The oversized furnace produces more heat than the system needs. The most positive identifier of short cycling is when the thermostat’s two temperatures—room temperature and thermostat set temperature—never match. Short cycling is a safety hazard. If sensors fail to shut the furnace down, the furnace is a real fire hazard. The end result of short cycling is that the house is not comfortable, fire risks increase, and the life of the furnace is reduced.

Distribution of Heat Will Be Uneven

It isn’t unusual for one area of a house to be cooler or warmer than others. Replacing a properly sized furnace with an oversized furnace will not solve the uneven heat problem; it will make it a bigger problem. The comfortably warm areas in the house will become overly warm and the cool rooms may not get any warmer.

Part of the procedure of installing a new furnace is to check the size of the existing furnace to make sure it is properly sized. The professional, licensed technicians at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling are experts in getting the right furnace for your home. They will spend the time necessary to recommend a high-quality replacement furnace. A truly optimized furnace will provide energy efficiency, long life, comfortable living space, and home safety. Give them a call today at 480-616-3636.

The Language of HVAC – 10 Terms You Should Know

Written by Semper Fi on January 31, 2023. Posted in Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, Blog.

Most people think they know the meaning of many of these furnace and air conditioning terms. It’s actually a little more complicated than that.

What do the letters HVAC stand for? Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. In other words, furnace, air conditioner and some method of circulating warm and cool air throughout a house. H-VAC is the generally accepted name for the entire industry.
A furnace creates heat. It does that by burning natural gas, bottle gas, heating oil, or electrical heating coils. Not all furnaces create heat with the same amount of energy usage. Nearly all new furnaces are more energy efficient than their not-so-distant replacements, but a well-maintained furnace in a well-insulated home can operate efficiently for many years.
An air conditioner produces cool air, but, like a furnace, some do it more efficiently than others. Typically, the years of operational life are fewer for an air conditioner; a fifteen-year air conditioner is usually approaching the time when repair costs begin to mount, and replacement seems like a good option.
An air handler is the part of the ventilation system that draws in warm or cool air for the furnace or air conditioner to turn it into cool or warm air, respectively, then blows it out into ducts that deliver it throughout a home. While operating, an air handler continuously circulates home air. Along with ductwork and a blower, an air handler is the V in an HVAC heating and cooling system.
There are two sets of ducts in a conventional central air heating and cooling system. Air flows through intake ducts to your furnace and air conditioner and is discharged into a second duct system that delivers it to the rooms of a home. The same air circulates over and over, getting heated or cooled along the way.
Smart thermostats truly are smart, and they get smarter over time. A smart thermostat will observe the time you wake up, go to work, return home, and go to bed. Then it adjusts its settings to match your daily routine. It will even observe that your house is empty for multiple days and adjust accordingly. With a connected smart thermostat, you can even send it a message that you are on the way home and it will have your house comfortable when you arrive.
Ductless, or ductless mini-splits, as the name implies, do not have ducts to circulate air. Small units are located in one or several rooms. They can provide heat or cooling or both. They are excellent for keeping a newly added room or garage comfortable or even an entire house.
Heat pumps are energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. A heat pump does its job by moving heat. In the summer, it removes heat from a house and discharges it outside. In winter, it draws heat from outside and circulates it inside. Contrary to common logic, there is plenty of heat outside on even the coldest days.
Internal Air Quality (IAQ) is a measure of the pollutants in the air circulating in a home. The main line of defense against dirty air is the air filter in the home heating system. Heating and cooling professionals have a variety of other options to clean harmful gases and particles from indoor air.
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, sometimes called Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. SEER ratings are given to heating and cooling systems to help consumers evaluate energy efficiency. Ratings range from 13 to 25. As of January 1, 2023, SEER 13 is the lowest approved efficiency rating by government mandate.

In the world of heating and cooling professionals, there is a sizable lexicon of words and phrases to know. The pros at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling can guide you through the repair and/or replacement process for HVAC machinery. Give them a call today at 480-616-3636.

Save Energy with a Heat Pump

Written by Semper Fi on November 22, 2022. Posted in Blog, Reduce Utility Bills.

Way back in the middle of the 19th century, an Austrian named Peter von Rittinger observed that forests in upper Austria were being cleared to use as fuel for producing salt from naturally occurring salt brine. He developed a process to evaporate water from salt brine using 80% less energy than boiling away the water over a wood fire. He called his device a steam pump. Today, we refer to systems performing similar functions as heat pumps.

Modern heat pumps are used for both heating and cooling. They remain one of the more energy-efficient systems for heating and cooling. There are two types of modern heat pumps. Geothermal, also known as ground source, utilizes heat from underground or underwater and condenses it to produce heat or cooling to distribute through a home. Air-sourced heat pumps take in outside air to do the same thing. Both types are capable of keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Why Consider a Heat Pump?

Most HVAC industry information recommends that a conventional central heating and cooling system should be replaced every 10-15 years. Well-maintained systems may last longer, but eventually repair costs get higher and higher as more expensive components start breaking down. Air conditioners usually fail before furnaces, but often it is best to replace both units at the same time. Heat pumps have a longer life expectancy; 20-25 years is not uncommon. For a house that is expected to last a normal lifetime, replacing the conventional central heating and cooling system may be needed two or three times. A heat pump may only need to be replaced once.
Heat pumps require less maintenance. A once a year preventative maintenance and service check is all that is needed. Conventional systems should be checked twice a year. Not only does a heat pump need repair less often, when it does need repair it is likely to be less expensive. Heat pumps have fewer parts to break down and require replacement than conventional systems.
Heat pumps are more energy efficient; utility bills will be lower. Heat pumps use electric-powered fans to circulate air around a home, but they do not directly consume fossil fuels to produce heat. In most homes without a heat pump, the central heating and cooling system is the largest user of energy.
Over their lifespan, most conventional air conditioners develop refrigerant leaks. The leaks get repaired with regular maintenance and more refrigerant is added. The missing refrigerant has leaked out into the air as environmental pollution. Replacing refrigerant is costly, and dispersing the refrigerant into the atmosphere is harmful. Heat pumps do not use refrigerant. There is nothing to leak and cause environmental harm.
A downside to heat pumps is that generally they are more expensive than conventional central heating and cooling systems. Over years of lower utility bills, fewer and less expensive repairs, less routine maintenance, and fewer replacements, a heat pump is usually a less expensive option despite the higher initial cost.

To learn more about heat pumps, call the experts at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling at 480-616-3636.

Energy Usage in Your Home

Written by Semper Fi on October 18, 2022. Posted in Blog, Featured, Reduce Utility Bills.

Typical homes contain dozens if not hundreds of energy-consuming parts. Heating and cooling systems, light bulbs, refrigerators, coffee makers, vacuums, and many more items in your home depend on electrical energy to operate. Let’s take a look at the energy users and learn more about which consume the most electrical power.

Heating and Cooling Systems

It is very likely that your HVAC system is the largest energy user. Even if you heat your home with natural gas, bottled gas or oil, the heated air does not circulate around your home without a blower that is powered by an electric motor. Ceiling fans are great to keep warm air circulating; ceiling fans are powered by electric motors.

Conventional air conditioners are big users of electrical energy. Electrical-powered compressors generate cool air and electric motor-powered blowers circulate the cool air. Heat pumps and geothermal systems are highly efficient for heating and cooling. They use the natural heat in the air and underground to heat and cool your home. But they require electric motors to pump and circulate the air and coolant that heat and cool the home.

In most homes, the heating and cooling systems are the largest user of electrical power. These systems typically account for nearly 50% of your total energy usage. Your toaster oven and hair dryer may be energy hogs, but they only get used occasionally. Your heating and cooling system operates nearly year round and nearly 24 hours every day.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerators and freezers are appliances that also require electrical power 24/7/365. Modern refrigerators are well insulated and well-sealed, making them highly efficient. A full freezer with solidly frozen food and a good seal is especially efficient. The frozen foods themselves keep the temperature low with the compressor motor seldom needing to run. Less than 5% of total home electrical usage should be attributed to refrigerators and freezers.

Water Heater

A conventional tank-type water heater requires 10-12% of energy usage. Gas-burning water heaters use much less electrical power, but gas is still part of home energy costs. The greatest inefficiency in a tank-type water heater is they keep water hot 24/7/365—all day, all night and all through your out-of-town vacation. A tankless water heater only heats water as you use it, making it significantly more efficient. The energy savings is not enough to justify replacing a working tank-type water heater, but when the tank needs to be replaced, it is a good idea to consider tankless.

Washer and Dryer

Laundry machines are big electrical users, using as much as 12-15% of total electrical usage. Power usage can vary significantly depending on the number of loads to be washed and dried. Newer machines with larger capacities make it possible to wash fewer loads with improved operational efficiency.

Lights and Other Appliances

Light bulbs, microwave ovens, computers, televisions, phone chargers, coffee makers, cooling fans, power tools, and all other small appliances account for the balance of home electrical usage. Most of these items are only used occasionally, while some are on 24/7/365. Think of the little lights in your doorbell button, your coffee maker, and charging station that indicate power is on.

Make a count of all of the items in your home that require electricity. Don’t be surprised if there are over 100 light bulbs and at least 50 small electric-powered devices. Individually, they don’t consume much electricity, but collectively they can account for nearly a quarter of total usage.

Look for efficiencies in all areas. Look to your heating and cooling system for the biggest efficiency improvement. Keep your home a little cooler in winter and a little warmer in summer. Keep your heating and cooling system in good working condition, and get it tuned up every year. When it comes time for a replacement, purchase a high-efficiency system from Semper Fi Heating & Cooling.

Signs That a Heat Pump Needs to Be Replaced

Written by Semper Fi on September 13, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, Blog.

Heating and cooling systems are complex mechanical/electrical systems. They work hard with repeated cycles day and night year-round to keep your home warm and cool. Conventional central furnace and air conditioning systems typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Heat pumps tend to have a longer life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. A few years before your heat pump needs to be replaced, you may start to see signs that it is not operating at peak efficiency. You may experience warm and cool areas within your home, or it may just take longer for it to get to the temperature you have it set for.

Repair Frequency

Initially, HVAC technicians can make repairs to get your heat pump back into good condition. Occasional repairs can be expected at any time. If your heat pump is more than 12 years old and the repair frequency begins to occur more often, you could be seeing signs that a replacement is going to be needed in the next few years. You may find that more and more worn-out parts need to be replaced. When the cost of repairs add up to half the cost of a replacement, then it is time to look seriously at replacement.

Run Cycles

Normally, your system should cycle as your thermostat tells it to turn on and off. If it is staying on longer than usual or running constantly, there is a problem. It is time to call a service technician to diagnose and repair the problem. It is possible that you have a thermostat problem, and your thermostat can be repaired or replaced. It is also possible that you have a heat pump problem that needs attention. It could be an early sign that a replacement will be needed soon.

Air Quality

Stale air and humidity are also signs of a malfunctioning heat pump. If you notice a difference in your interior air quality, your heat pump should be inspected. A heat pump that is nearing its life expectancy can cause changes in air quality.

Other Signs

Low coolant is a likely sign that there is a coolant leak that needs to be repaired. If you find that your heat pump is no longer keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, it is probably approaching replacement time. Rising energy bills when there has not been a rate increase is a sure sign that your heat pump is becoming less energy efficient. You should seriously consider getting your heat pump replaced in order to lower your energy bills.

Are you hearing noises from your heat pump that weren’t there before—especially grinding and banging? Then, it is time to get it inspected and get a service technician’s opinion if a replacement is needed. A carbon monoxide leak is a serious potential health problem for your entire family. If your heat pump has a carbon monoxide leak, it is definitely time to make arrangements for replacement without delay.

Call Semper Fi Heating & Cooling

The professional technicians at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling have extensive experience with servicing and installing heat pumps in Mesa and the entire Phoenix metro area. They can inspect, diagnose and repair problems. They can give good advice if your heat pump has reached the point where it needs to be replaced.

Why Is No Warm or Cold Air Coming Out of Some of My Vents?

Written by Semper Fi on September 6, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, Blog.

If the vent is open, and if it is properly connected to the ductwork, then the problem is probably an air intake vent. The fundamental principle of a central heating and air conditioning system is that room air is drawn into ducts where it moves to a central unit for heating and cooling. Then, it’s blown out other ducts and into your home from the air supply vents as warm or cool air. Eventually, the air is drawn back into the intake vents and the circulation cycle continues over and over. Along the way, the circulating air provides other benefits.

Filter Pollutants

As room air makes its way through air intake, ducts, heating or cooling, supply ducts and out the supply vents, it passes through a filter. The filter is your first defense in keeping harmful particles out of the air that you breathe.

There are other systems that can be installed to kill the germs that are circulating in your indoor air. The REME HALO is a highly recommended air purification system that you can install in ductwork, but it is not a replacement for the air filter. For clean air, there is no replacement for heating and cooling system air filters. Use a good filter and change it often. Once or twice a year is not enough. Use good filters, buy them in bulk, and change them frequently. The cleaner the filter, the cleaner the air in your home.

Maintain Air Pressure

Your HVAC heating and cooling system is a recirculating system. When warm or cool air comes out of the supply vents, an equal amount of air must go into the intake vents. Your home has been engineered for balanced airflow. If the intake vents are blocked or otherwise inadequate to balance the supply vents, the system will not work properly or efficiently. The heating and cooling system of your home demands balanced airflow. You may find that some are not heating and cooling as well as others.

If intake vents are blocked, your system still attempts to blow the same amount of air out of the supply vents. Pressure in the ducts will increase, causing the blower to work harder, which will increase your utility bills. Additionally, the pressure will cause ducts to leak, which will increase costs even more. Increased wear on your blower will eventually reduce the lifespan of your system.

It is important that you do not put furniture in front of air intake vents. Do not put rugs over them; do not close or obstruct them in any way. Nothing comes out of intake vents, but it is very important that unobstructed air be able to go into them.

Contact Semper Fi Heating & Cooling

With the high temperatures in Arizona, it is important that your heating and cooling system perform as it has been engineered to operate. Remember, change your filters often and do not obstruct your air intake vents. If you have questions about the operation of your system, get in touch with the expert technicians at Semper Fi.

Keeping Your Air Conditioner Operating Better and Longer

Written by Semper Fi on August 23, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, Blog.

Lifespan of an Air Conditioner

Your air conditioning system is one of the bigger investments you make for your home. Like other equipment you purchase, your air conditioner will eventually wear out. Questions we often hear are, “How many years should an air conditioner last before needing to be replaced? How do I get a longer life out of my air conditioner?” There are no universal guidelines. We have serviced units that are 25 years old and replaced units that are 10 years old.

Lifespan/Location

The long and scorching hot summers in Arizona mean that air conditioners work hard day and night for many months every year. Air conditioning systems in Arizona are generally on the shorter side of lifespans than they are in cooler climates. A lifespan of 10 to 12 years is about average for Arizona.

An air conditioner that has been well serviced on a regular schedule will last longer than an infrequently serviced system. Poor maintenance like not changing the filter often and not having routine tune-ups can cut the life of your air conditioner in half. If you are diligent about tune-ups ad preventive maintenance, you could increase the life of your system to double the average. A 20-year-plus lifespan for a well-maintained system is possible even in Arizona.

What YOU Can Do to Extend the Life of YOUR Air Conditioner

Change the Filter

The simplest, easiest and most important thing you can do is to change the filter often. The filter keeps dirt and grime out of your air conditioner as well as out of the home air that you breathe. A dirty filter will impede the airflow into your air conditioner, causing it to overheat. Dirty air can also cause electrical problems. Changing the filter is simple and easy, and it will reduce repair requirements and add extra life to your entire system.

Keep YOUR Condenser Clean

The condenser is the outside unit of your air conditioning system. Being outside, the condenser is exposed to the weather year-round. Leaves, grass, bushes and debris can block the clean airflow into your condenser unit. Keep the area around your condenser clean and give your entire system years of additional life.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Cooling your house when no one is home is a waste of energy and a missed opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a high-efficiency air conditioning system. A smart thermostat can adapt to your lifestyle, keep you comfortable when you are home, and extend the life of your air conditioning system.

Professional Tune-Up

The professional technicians at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling will perform a 29-point professional tune-up that includes a complete unit inspection, light coil cleaning and a written report of findings. If repairs are needed, have them done immediately. Your investment in time, attention and professional repairs will significantly extend the life of your air conditioning system while keeping your home cool and energy efficient for many years.

All About Short Cycling

Written by Semper Fi on August 23, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, Air Conditioning Repair, Blog.

If your heating and cooling system is less than 15 years old, it is very likely that you have a high-efficiency air conditioner. As an Arizona resident, you know that even with a high-efficiency system your monthly electrical charge for air conditioning can be substantial. If your monthly electrical bill is higher than you expected, your air conditioner may not be operating as efficiently as it should. It may be something you can fix yourself, or it may be time to call a heating and cooling expert.

What Is Short Cycling?

Even on the hottest days, air conditioners do not run continuously. They operate in cycles. The cycle starts when your thermostat senses that room temperature has reached the maximum temperature setting. You hear the air conditioner turn on and begin circulating cooler air inside your home. The cycle ends when the inside temperature has been reduced by a few degrees and the air conditioner turns off and waits for the temperature to rise again before starting another cycle.

All air conditioning systems and homes are different, but the cooling cycle typically lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. If the cycle time on your system is significantly lower than that, you may be experiencing short cycling.

What Causes Short Cycling?

Following the repair technician’s No. 1 rule, always check the simplest and easiest item to fix first: the air filter. A dirty filter can prevent fresh air from getting into the system, causing it to overheat and shut down. If you are experiencing short cycles, check the filter first. If replacing the filter does not eliminate the short cycling, it is time to move to the next easiest solution: checking the outside air conditioning unit to see if it is frozen. Dirty filters or other mechanical problems can cause outside units to freeze. If frozen, turn the air conditioner off and give it time to thaw.

Another cause of short cycling could be if your system is low on refrigerant. A service technician can check and add refrigerant if necessary. If refrigerant was low, there may be a leak, and a technician can repair that as well. Was your air conditioner replaced in the winter? Cold weather makes it difficult to determine the amount of refrigerant needed. The problem may be easy for a technician to repair.

Loose or corroded electrical connections can also cause short cycling. Call an HVAC technician. If your system is oversized for your home, there is a significant risk that short cycles will develop. Energy efficiency is maximized when the unit is properly sized for the home. Too big or too small of a system will cause operational problems and reduce efficiency.

If you are experiencing short cycling, your air conditioner is not operating at peak efficiency. If your filters have been replaced and short cycling continues, check for a frozen outside unit. If you allow the frozen unit to thaw and it freezes again, then it is time to call a technician. The technicians at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling are highly qualified experts at diagnosing the problem and getting your system back to peak efficiency.

The Most Dangerous Weather Event

Written by Semper Fi on August 9, 2022. Posted in Blog, Featured.

What is the most dangerous weather event in the U.S. in terms of human deaths? It isn’t hurricanes, tornados or floods, although they cause massive property damage. It isn’t blizzards, snowstorms, freezing temperatures or ice storms. Lightning strikes and forest fires are horrific, but not the leading cause of deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people die from extreme heat in the United States every year. That makes heat the leading cause of weather-related deaths. Extreme temperatures are also responsible for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. On a secondary level, people with heart disease and high blood pressure are at greater risk of serious health issues during extreme heat.

Semper Fi Heating & Cooling considers it a true emergency when an air conditioning system stops working during a heat emergency. We dispatch our technicians to get cooling systems working as soon as possible. Proactively, we offer air conditioning system tune-ups for the extremely low price of $17.75 to prevent whole system failures when it gets hot. Beyond keeping your air conditioner functioning when you need it more, there are other steps you can take to assure your health and safety.

Air Circulation

Use fans to mix and move air around your home. Ceiling fans are a great way to move internal air. Box fans, tower fans, personal tabletop fans, or any kind of fan will keep air moving, and moving air feels cooler than still air. Why does the same air feel cooler because it is moving? It is because it actually does keep you cooler.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is a good health practice year-round, no matter the temperature. In extreme heat, staying well hydrated is even more important. When our bodies get too hot, they vent water in the form of perspiration. Perspiration cools our bodies, and it evaporates faster when there is moving air. Drink more water on a hot day and you will perspire more.

When you stop perspiring, you are dehydrated and showing an early warning sign for heat stroke. If you are perspiring, drink more water. If you are being active outside on a very hot day and are drenched with sweat, your body is responding as it should; keep drinking water. Cold water is one of the greatest defenses against overheating.

Plan for the Heat

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers several suggestions to prevent overheating:

Stay indoors with air conditioning as much as possible.
Plan outdoor activities early or late when the weather is cooler.
Take cool showers to cool down.
Never leave children or pets in a car.
Wear light and loose clothing.
Pay attention to weather reports and heat warnings.

At Semper Fi, we know that keeping your air conditioning running at maximum output is an absolute necessity in the hottest months, so we respond to calls quickly. However, on some days, it is nearly impossible to keep up with the calls. The best option is to have your air conditioner inspected, repaired or replaced in cooler months so you are ready for the heat. But when the unexpected does happen and your air conditioner stops cooling your home on the hottest days, call us at 408-616-3636. Keeping you cool is always a priority for us.