Tag: conditioning

Home air conditioning

Spring Cleaning and a Home's Air Conditioning

Can HVAC Maintenance Make Spring Cleaning Easier?

Spring is finally here, and everyone is getting into the season's spirit with bright colors and all the organization tips that a person can handle. When people are considering the next step in their spring cleaning process, they should think about air conditioner maintenance. One should add the cleaning and upkeep of this important home appliance to the list of spring chores.  

Cleaner Air Conditioner Means More Efficiencyclean ac

For an air conditioner to work at its best, it needs to be clean. Professional AC maintenance is a part of that, but a professional HVAC technician will go far beyond just cleaning. They will make sure that a home's air conditioning system is fully functional and at its most efficient level possible. Here are a few of the tasks that a technician might perform:
  • Cleaning the exterior AC unit
  • Cleaning condenser coils
  • Changing the air filter
  • Inspecting ducts
  • Inspecting electrical connections
  • Tightening or adjusting electrical connections
  •  Combing vents
  • Checking compressor
  • Checking for coolant leaks
  • Replacing worn-out or damaged parts

Don't Forget the Ductsduct

If the AC unit is cleaned, it will still not be completely cleaned without the ducts also being cleaned. If there is still dust and other detritus in the ducts, it can still be affecting indoor air quality even if the air filter is new and AC maintenance has been performed. Since ducts are the corridors through which the cooled air travels, they should be kept clean to safeguard the respiratory health of the household. A few reasons for getting a professional air duct cleaning are listed below:

  • Consistency: Dirty or clogged ducts can prevent the AC from getting the air everywhere that it needs to go. Some rooms will then not reach the appropriate temperature.
  • Efficiency: Open, clean ducts allow the air to pass through without hindrance and allow the AC to do its job more efficiently.
  • Air Quality: There is no getting around the fact that stuff in the ducts can be blown out into the air people breathe in the home.
  • Peace of Mind: Clean ducts free a person from worrying about pest infestations, mildew, and harmful mold. 

Clean Home Leads to Clean AC Which Leads to Clean Home

Though the air is pulled from the outside in a typical HVAC system, there are also air uptake vents that recirculate air that is already in the home. This can create a continuous cycle of cleaner air or can spread dust and allergens even more completely. 

If a homeowner keeps their home clean by dusting and vacuuming, this can help keep the air cleaner which keeps the AC filter cleaner, which leads to a more efficient and cleaner system. The intake vents are an area where one should give special attention to dusting, and filters can also be placed in these.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has been proudly serving Sun Prairie, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1984. They offer energy-efficient and easy-on-the-wallet solutions to modern home comfort problems. Call today for prompt and friendly AC service.

Cardinal Air condition services

Air Conditioning 101: The Basics

Let’s Learn the Basics of Air Conditioning Together!

As one of the most important systems in the modern home, homeowners must understand the basics of air conditioning. Knowing and understanding the basics could save homeowners a lot of money on repairs and bills in the long run, but that’s not all. This information is important because it gives homeowners a new appreciation for their indoor air quality, which is extremely important to the health of those living in the home. Without proper care to maintain indoor air quality, many in the home are likely to experience easily prevented illnesses. 

Continue reading to learn more about indoor air quality, the different types of air conditioning systems available, and when it might be time for repairs. 

Inside the Different Cooling Systems

Today, there are so many different types of air conditioners on the market, and it can be hard to decide which one is worth the investment. When it comes to their homes, homeowners typically look for something that complements their lifestyle while potentially saving them money. 

If they are going to make the right decision for their needs and their home, they must first know the different types of air conditioners they have to choose from. Here is more information: 

  • Dual AC Unit: Uses a gas and electric furnace for cost-efficient cooling. 
  • Central AC: By far the most common source of AC in the modern home, this type uses a ductwork system with two separate units to cool every area of the home at once. 
  • Ductless Mini-Split: Works similarly to central AC but is more efficient. There are unit heads in each room of the home, and it doesn’t require a ductwork system. 
  • Geothermal AC: This heating and cooling system gets installed in the ground and uses the Earth’s natural temperatures to heat and cool the home. 
  • Window AC Unit: Those without central AC tend to get a window unit for their upstairs rooms to keep them cool in the summer. They work great for bedrooms or open areas. 
  • Floor Mounted AC: Takes the AC from the window and places it in the room. Typically, you’ll see this style of air conditioning in hotel rooms. 
  • Portable AC: Works similarly to a window unit. These units cool down individual areas of the home. 
  • Smart AC: Works with ductless mini-split, portable, or window unit ACs and is Wi-Fi and smartphone app-enabled. This is one of the most efficient types of AC on the market. 

It Might Be Time for Air Conditioning Repairshvac

There might be numerous different types of AC units and systems on the market today, but when something goes wrong, they all tend to show similar signs that repairs are needed. Homeowners must be aware of these signs. 

Some common signs that it is time for air conditioning repair include: 

  • The monthly bill is a lot higher than normal 
  • The unit or system starts making strange noises
  • The homeowner can smell something coming from the unit or system 
  • Poor airflow
  • The system constantly turns on and off or just stays on
  • It’s no longer blowing out cold air 
  • The temperature in the home continues to rise even when the system is running

What Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Why Is It Important?

Technician holding a clean air filterIAQ is simply how clean the air is within the home. This is extremely important to maintain because when the air in the home isn’t at its highest quality, it can lead to several problems, including health problems of those living within the home. The most common health problem people experience when they have poor indoor air quality is increased allergy symptoms, but it can lead to more serious long-term health effects.

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning Is There To Help

Sun Prairie, WI homeowners can trust the Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning professionals to get the job done right the first time. They have enough experience to know how to handle nearly any HVAC issue a customer throws at them. They even offer 24-hour technician care because HVAC issues happen at all hours of the day and night. Call today to learn more about their AC services!