3 Things To Check If Your AC Is Not Blowing Cool Air

Small Solutions can check when your AC Is Not Blowing Cool Air

Are you getting a little hot and bothered with your AC lately?

On a hot day, the last thing you want is to walk into your house and discover that your central air conditioner has quit on you. When your air conditioner suddenly stops working, it can be cause for alarm or it can be something as simple as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Thankfully, an AC that’s not cooling is not always an expensive repair. There can be several common issues that you can check that you can easily manage without a lot of hassle.


First, though, it’s worth noting: is the outdoor temperature above 92ºF? 

If so, then it may not be your AC that’s having a problem. There’s this thing called the “design temperature” in the world of HVAC systems: every geographical area has what’s called a “1% summer design temperature”.  It’s the temperature that your location will exceed only 1% of all the hours in a year. So, what does that mean?

Let’s say you live in a city in Florida that has a design temperature of 92º. If your AC struggles to cool your home on days that are above 92º, it’s probably because your AC unit was designed to provide optimal comfort when it’s less than 92º.

If it’s super hot and your AC isn’t cooling, it may simply be that it wasn’t designed for those temperatures. In this case, you want to add a fan to help keep your home comfortable.

However, beyond that, certain problems can prevent an air conditioner from properly cooling down your home including:

  • A dirty air filter
  • A blocked condenser
  • A refrigerant leak
  • An undersized AC
  • Leaky ducts
  • An older AC

That being said, an air conditioner that has stopped cooling may be solved by fixing one of these 3 common issues. We see this regularly with our customers, so it’s worth checking:

  1. Power issues
  2. Thermostat issues
  3. Filter issues

Power issues:

This is the simplest. Have you checked the power cord to the AC? Is it plugged in? Is the electrical outlet still active? If so, how’s the electrical fuse box? Is there a blown fuse causing the issue? Or is

Thermostat issues:

Make sure your thermostat is set to cool. Many thermostats are tricky and homeowners may be able to save themselves headaches by reading the manual. Turn the temperature setting all the way down and see if that triggers your AC unit to come on. It may be that your thermostat has an electrical issue or needs to have the batteries replaced. Can you verify that all of the wiring into the thermostat is connected properly?

Filter issues:

Your air filter is designed to trap contaminants in the air before it gets pulled into the AC system. But over time that means that your filter gets dirty and clogged. And if a dirty filter isn’t replaced, it can seriously limit your AC’s cooling power. Some units are designed to shut off automatically if the filter gets clogged.

 

Depending on the age of your unit and the level of work involved, you may want to consider updating your system. If your unit is over 10 years old, you may want to consider having an HVAC professional inspect your system and give you an idea of best options. Don’t risk damaging your investment by letting your air conditioner problem continue. We can help answer your questions if you’re unsure of the best move for your place,  your needs and your budget. If you’re in the northern Virginia area, give us a call or fill out the form here on our site and we’ll get you set!

 

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

small solutions can help when Air Conditioner Not Cooling

When it’s summer and it’s hot outside, it’s the worst time for air conditioners to stop cooling…but this is when we get the most calls, because that’s the time when you notice! There are a few ways to troubleshoot your HVAC system if your AC is not blowing cold air.

Of course, we’re going to recommend that the best way to figure out what the issue is is to contact an HVAC professional–like us! One of the main reasons is that a professional can figure out what’s causing the issue quickly and get it repaired before further damage is created. But there are a few things to know about to understand what might be happening to your system.

Common issues that cause your AC to not cool could be:

  • Power issues
  • Thermostat issues
  • Low refrigerant levels
  • Clogged filter
  • Ice buildup
  • Clogged drain
  • Dirty compressor
  • Condensate airflow switch

It could also be that your unit isn’t a fit for the space you’re using it in. Is it too small for the space you are trying to cool? Are the temperatures above normal? These can cause your AC to not cool as well, too.

 


 

One of the easiest things to check? The power. Might seem basic, but this is one of the common issues we find with our customers! If your AC is not blowing air, check to ensure that it’s plugged into the outlet correctly, and that the power cord is still intact. If the outlet and cord are fine, it could be an issue with a blown fuse in your electrical panel. Air conditioners require large surges of power, so your AC unit might have blown a fuse or tripped something (especially if you’ve had power surges or outages due to thunderstorms, etc.). Some units have overload switches built-in, so make sure you check this as well.

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is true when it comes to your air condition system! By having a professional technician like us perform annual inspections and staying on top of any maintenance issues, you can help to avoid any potential AC outages.

 

 

2 Ways To Improve Air Quality + Reduce Spread of Viruses in Child Care Centers

small solutions offer to Improve Air Quality + Reduce Spread of Viruses in Child Care Centers

A recent survey found that  63% of families are uncomfortable sending their children back to day care. Fielded by Care.com of over 2,000 U.S. parents with children under the age of 16 who pay for child care.

Many families rely on child care in order to be able to go to work, but it can be a tough call to determine how risky it is to send children to school and day care.

For child care center owners and managers, there are 2 ways you can help to improve the air quality of your facility and reduce the spread of virus or illness:

There are many options within those two categories to fit your needs with budget, size and number of kids.

The first step is simply knowing what’s on the market and the features that would enhance what you have. We can easily save you time in researching…give us a call to discover how elaborate or simple a new solution can be.

How To Improve The Air Quality of Your Church During COVID-19

small solutions help Improve The Air Quality of Your Church During COVID-19

As our society adapts with a global pandemic, many churches, businesses, restaurants and retail stores are attempting to make it safe for people to return. We’re going out of our way now to understand how to live while remaining socially distanced.

One of the key points of focus for returning to “normal life” in some way has been with returning to places of worship.

Most churches are not naturally suited to prevent the spread of a virus, but can evolve to be able to be safer. One way a church can make a big step to do that, besides keeping people socially distanced and providing cleaning supplies, is by updating the air quality with a better filtration system. Another way is to upgrade the HVAC system in the facility, as more modern varieties include enhanced air quality features.

Viruses, bacteria, allergens, dust motes, gasses and other contaminants can circulate inside, creating breathing hazards and bad odors. The most well-insulated facilities, unfortunately, tend to trap odors, pollen and other contaminants within their airtight walls due to a lack of airflow most commonly found in older homes.

Air filters capture and remove contaminants that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, spread illness and impact air quality.

There are several types of common filters.

  • HEPA filters—remove 99.97 percent of pollution; often seen in hospitals.
  • Media air cleaners—up to 40 times more efficient than a standard air filter.
  • Electronic air cleaners—uses electrically charged, washable filters to lower pollutants.
  • Standard air filters.

A more enhanced option would be UV Light Systems. These systems give off high-intensity UV rays to eliminate bacteria, mold and viruses. The light can clean your home’s air, ductwork and heating/cooling equipment. And shrink the concentration of airborne microorganisms by 50 percent within as little as 45 minutes.

 

Do-It-Yourself: Remember this ONE Little Thing Before You Clean Your HVAC Unit

small solutions offers quality service in cleaning your hvac unit

Your HVAC needs maintenance in between seasons, to make sure it is working efficiently. Stuff just naturally collects! General debris, dust, grime, bacteria, mildew and mold, pet hair and other such material build up over time and cause your system to have to work harder to do its job.

But first–this is an IMPORTANT step! Don’t forget to do this one little thing before you clean your unit. See our “Do-It-Yourself: How to Clean Your HVAC Unit Safely With a Garden Hose, Part 1” and Part 2 videos for guidance on how to do the cleaning.

 

Do-It-Yourself: How to Clean Your HVAC Unit Safely With a Garden Hose, Part 2

How to Clean Your HVAC Unit Safely With a Garden Hose by Small Solutions

Your HVAC needs maintenance in between seasons, to make sure it is working efficiently. Stuff just naturally collects! General debris, dust, grime, bacteria, mildew and mold, pet hair and other such material build up over time and cause your system to have to work harder to do its job.

When this happens, it takes more energy to run. Which not only means your house takes longer to get comfortable, but also leads to increased electricity bills.

Watch Part 2 as Jason from Small Solutions demonstrates how to properly and easily clean your unit!
 

Do-It-Yourself: How to Clean Your HVAC Unit Safely With a Garden Hose, Part 1

How to Clean Your HVAC Unit Safely With a Garden Hose by small solutions

As summer is coming, your HVAC needs maintenance in order to ensure it cools your home efficiently. General debris, dust, grime, bacteria, mildew and mold, pet hair and other such material build up over time and cause your system to have to work harder to do its job. This means that it requires more energy to run, leading to increased electricity bills. It can also compromise the overall air quality of your home.

Watch Part 2 as Jason from Small Solutions demonstrates how to properly and easily clean your unit!
 

Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips | How To Get Your HVAC System Ready For Winter

mitsubishi outdoor unit offered by small solutions

Useful HVAC Maintenance Tips

Do you need to have an HVAC system maintenance check? Maybe you’ve only had your system for a few years and it seems to be running just fine. Should you put forth the effort to have a maintenance checkup?

HVAC systems are like owning vehicles: Imagine that you bought a brand new car, and you spent a lot of money on it. Would you ignore regular checkups and the service maintenance required? Probably not. If your vehicle is older and you want to keep it on the road and working efficiently longer, regular maintenance is necessary.

It’s the same with an HVAC system. If you invested in a newer heating or cooling unit, you want to make sure it’s working efficiently, and that you’re getting value for the money you paid for it. If your HVAC system is nearing the end of its 10- to 15-year average lifespan, it is essential to get your older system serviced regularly. The minimal investment to do that now will be much less than the cost of breakdowns, loss of efficiency or unexpected repairs.

What are the benefits of regular maintenance?

1 Lower energy bills
2 Fewer repair bills
3 Avoid costly surprises
4 Equipment lasts longer
5 Better air quality for your home

For a winter maintenance check, here are the areas a HVAC technician will review:

Thermostat settings: The right thermostat settings help maintain a comfortable temperature while also saving energy.
Electrical connections: If electrical connections are defective, they may damage HVAC equipment or make it hazardous to operate. Motors should have the correct voltage and current.
Condensate drain: Should the condensate drain be plugged, it may lead to water damage, musty air due to mold 1, and increased humidity in the house.
System controls: The controls work properly if the system starts, operates, and turns off normally. Malfunctioning system controls can become a safety issue.
Heating elements or heat exchanger: If these get damaged, they could lead to problems with carbon monoxide.
Moving parts: If moving parts are not properly lubricated, they can cause friction in the motors (which in turn results in greater energy use).
Flue system: To make sure it is securely attached to the furnace.
Clean air filter: A clean air filter is crucial for an efficient airflow indoors. Air filters should be cleaned or switched out regularly.
Humidifier: For a humidifier to operate effectively, it must be clean and free from mold as well as debris.
Belts and pulleys: Replace frayed belts and pulleys.

While you want to ensure you have an HVAC technician look over your system each spring and fall, there are some things you can do yourself to help keep your HVAC equipment operating efficiently throughout the year.

Here’s what you can do, as a homeowner, for your HVAC maintenance:

1 Make sure to clear debris around your outside units, with at least 2 feet of clearance around any AC uni or heat pump. That means removing leaves, twigs, dirt and pollen from around or on top of the unit. And when you’re cutting grass in the summer, make sure the lawnmower doesn’t throw the clippings onto the unit.

2. Check your refrigerant lines monthly. Refrigerant lines that come from your HVAC unit into your home are what ensure you have the heating or the cooling you need. If those lines get worn, develop leaks or become detached, you won’t get the comfortable temperatures you and your family want. Even in the winter, check these lines at least once a month.

3. Eliminate clogs by, once a year, mix bleach with one cup of water, and pour it down the air conditioner condenser drain to clean out any buildup.

4. In summer, turn off water supplied to your furnace’s humidifier. There is no reason to keep a humidifier running in summer. When the weather starts to cool in late summer or early fall, and you’re thinking about turning on the heat, install a new filter and set your humidistat to around 40 percent humidity. Then, turn on the water supply.

5. Don’t shut too many registers

You never want to shut more than about 20 percent of your home’s registers. If you do, you will put an unnecessary burden on your system by forcing it to work harder to give you the level of heat or cooling you want.

 

Our company, Small Solutions LLC, offers HVAC installations, maintenance and repairs in the Northern Virginia area. Are you in our area? Give us a call to get your HVAC system running in tip top shape today!

 

 

How To Save Energy and Money on Your Utility Bill This Winter

Small Solutions can help Save Energy and Money on Your Utility Bill This Winter

[mk_page_section][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1575926703699{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]With a few simple changes in around your house, you can save money on  your utility bills. With some larger adjustments, you can drastically improve the energy efficiency of your home.

As a home owner, landlord, or renter, your utility bill can be one of your highest monthly expenses. For many homeowners, the monthly utility bill is the second-largest expense after the mortgage. Reducing your energy usage isn’t just a good investment for the environment—it’s also a great way to keep your budget in check.

In 2016, the average electric bill in the United States was $119 per month—over $1,400 per year.

Use these tips to reduce your electricity bills:

  • Service your air conditioner. Easy maintenance such as routinely replacing or cleaning air filters can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent.
  • Cleaning or changing your HVAC filter every 30 days can help you cut electricity costs.A few helpful filter-changing tips include:Panel Filters – Replace every 30 days
    Pleated Filters – Replace every 3 to 4 months
    Media Filter – Replace every 6 months
    Permanent Filters – Clean once a month
  • Adjust your water heater temperature; can you set it so that it does not get so hot?
  • Wash and dry your clothes efficiently; can you do less loads each week?
  • Use energy-efficient lighting; try LED bulbs.
  • Use power strips.
  • Turn off your ceiling fans and lights when not in use.
  • Caulk air leaks. Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home keeps warm air inside.
  • Adjust your thermostat; turn it back when you’re not at home and keep it comfortable but cool when you are.
  • Practice efficiency with your kitchen appliances.
  • Seal ducts. Air loss through ducts can lead to high electricity costs, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption.
  • Did you know that 75 percent of your energy use is caused by electronics that are turned off? For example, your toaster could be sucking up 876 watts while on, but zero when off and unplugged! Your TV, computer, Internet router, and kitchen appliances are making your electric bill higher. Use a power strip and turn them off or unplug them when not in use.
  • Keep refrigerator coils clean. Your refrigerator can suck up a lot of energy. A fridge can use anywhere between 201 kWh to 500 kWh per year, depending on the type of fridge you have.
  • Use cold water for laundry. Your washer’s energy consumption can be 90 percent less if you use cold water instead of hot.
  • Use your microwave more.Microwaves can actually be very useful for cutting your electric bill in half. For one, microwaves use less electricity. For example, a microwave uses around 1,200 watts. An oven uses around 2,400 watts.If you cook something for 30 minutes in a microwave at 10 cents per kWh per day, your monthly cost is $1.83. If you use an oven, you will pay double.

 

Not all the above tips will significantly reduce your electric bill on their own, but by implementing several or most of these energy saving tips together, you can eliminate a large amount of your electricity costs.

Start with the easy ones and work your way up to the big projects.[/vc_column_text][mk_image src=”https://smallsolutionsllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/save-on-utlities.jpg” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]

What’s the difference between SEER and EER ratings?

Small Solutions are both EER and SEER certified

What’s the difference between SEER and EER ratings?

The energy efficiency of ACs is all about SEER ratings, EER ratings, and Energy Star labels.

What is SEER?
This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it describes how much energy an AC uses to produce a certain amount of cooling. These ratings apply to central air conditioners.

What is EER?
This stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio, and like SEER ratings, the numbers come from dividing an AC’s cooling output by its energy usage. EER applies to room ACs like window units as well as to central ACs.

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SEER ratings have more to do with your area’s specific climate, and a unit’s advertised seasonal efficiency rating might actually go down if you live in an extremely hot climate.

EER ratings are better for comparisons. They don’t factor in seasons, so they aren’t as variable as SEER ratings. The EER rating lets you know how different AC systems work under the same conditions.

Your best resource for utilizing both ratings is your HVAC technician…like us at Small Solutions LLC! Whether you’re looking to install a more energy-efficient system or simply want to understand your current AC better, give us a call and we can help.